The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States

Governments, business leaders and civil society to advance action for Small Island Developing States at UN global gathering in Apia, Samoa 

WHAT
The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States
Facing a range of challenges, small island developing states (SIDS) are counting on a crucial September United Nations conference to present their case to the international community in order to seek collaborative and innovative ways to improve their situation.

World leaders, CEOs, United Nations and civil society representatives attending the meeting will seek to galvanize renewed action for SIDS and articulate small island priorities for the next 20 years. This includes identifying how small island nations will transition to a more sustainable development path, including adapting to climate change, preserving the oceans and developing renewable energy sources. Partnerships to achieve these objectives will be at the heart of the conference and over 200 new partnerships are expected to be part of the conference outcome.

Major new commitments and initiatives on a range of issues expected to be announced will also have measurable impacts in advancing the economic, social, and environmental well-being of SIDS. The conference will thus provide a crucial opportunity to mobilize all sectors of society to promote equitable growth, social well-being, and a low-carbon economy, while at the same time preserving the environment on which many SIDS are dependent.

The meeting is the last high-level UN event before the Secretary-General's late September Climate Summit, and will be an important input into General Assembly discussions in New York.

WHO
World leaders, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Conference Secretary-General Wu Hongbo will be joined by business CEOs, parliamentarians, mayors, non-governmental organizations, academics, senior UN officials and representatives of many other non-state actors.

WHEN AND WHERE
The conference will be held from 1 to 4 September 2014 at the Faleata Sports Complex in Apia, Samoa. The Faleata Golf Course, which is adjacent to the conference site, will serve as a venue for pre-conference activities from 28–31 August, and for side events from 1–4 September