Page 108 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
108
Foreign Aid Report 2022

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) consist of of these states—essentially the expanse of ocean
a unique cohort of 39 States and 18 Associate they govern—is on average 28 times larger than
Members affiliated with United Nations regional their land area. This makes the ocean a reservoir
commissions. These nations are distributed of vast natural resources for them. However,
across three distinct geographical terrains: the with small population sizes, far-flung locations,
Caribbean, the Pacific, and the broader region escalating transportation costs, exposure to
encompassing the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and external economic fluctuations, and delicate
South China Sea (AIS). terrestrial and marine ecosystems, SIDS are
especially susceptible to biodiversity loss and
Historically, the international community climate-induced adversities. Their economic
acknowledged the distinct challenges faced by constraints often accentuate this vulnerability.
SIDS at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Given their limited institutional capacities,
Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, restricted financial resources, and susceptibility
Brazil. Despite collectively housing around 65 to broader systemic disruptions, SIDS find
million people — just under 1% of the global navigating these challenges particularly daunting.
population — SIDS grapple with a series of
intensified socio-economic and environmental The Third International Conference on Small
vulnerabilities. Island Developing States held in Samoa in 2014
marked a significant international commitment
One of the inherent challenges many SIDS to addressing these issues. The resultant SAMOA
encounter stems from their geographic isolation. Pathway sheds light on the detrimental effects
This remoteness translates into elevated import of climate change and the increasing sea levels
and export costs, erratic international traffic on the efforts of SIDS, emphasizing the need for
volumes, and a heavy reliance on external markets solutions in areas like economic development,
owing to their limited natural resource base. food security, disaster risk management, and
Remarkably, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) marine conservation. 13

Goal 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE