Samoa UN climate conference generates $2bn in island-to-continent environmental partnerships

Nearly 300 partnerships have been forged between governments, businesses and civil society organisations at a UN climate conference, generating $1.9 billion (£1.1bn) supporting small island developing states in achieving sustainable development.

At the conclusion of the Third Conference on Small Island Developing States, secretary general of the Conference, Wu Hongbo, said, “Without a doubt, these partnerships leave a legacy with impact.

“Many of the initiatives announced here are looking at the unique position of small island developing states as an opportunity to accelerate advancements on renewable energy, disaster preparedness and sustainable food systems, to name just a few key areas.”

The meeting was the third global conference to discuss sustainable development, and the first to be held in the Pacific region, attended by 115 nation representatives.

It was hoped the conference would raise awareness of the unique problems facing small island states in the face of climate change, emphasising a need for them to reach a level of economic and energy independence that promotes national sustainability.

Samoan prime minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, in his closing statement, said, “Today marks a beginning, not an end.

“Samoa is by no means the final destination for responses to small island developing states’ development challenges.

“But it is an important launch point to key future stops on our journey to sustainably employ the few resources available to small island developing states to improve and raise the standard of living for our communities.”

The partnerships include 166 states and governments, 85 UN entities and inter-governmental organisations, and nearly 1,200 major groups and other stakeholders.

The money will be particularly focused on dealing with issues relating to climate change, disaster resilience and environmental protection as well as sustainable energy sources like solar farms and investments in social developments.

Photo source:  Luigi Guarino via Flickr

Further Reading:

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Pacific Islands Forum closes with climate change and sustainable tourism commitment

Pacific island Kiribati buys land in Fiji to escape climate change

Small island states threatened by rising sea levels call for sustainability

Rising sea levels force Pacific Islanders to relocate