African Island States Diaspora Engagement Business Forum at SIDS4 in St. John, Antigua and Barbuda

The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) held from 27-30 May 2024 at the American University in St John’s, Antigua, and Barbuda. Under the overarching theme of “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity”. The Conference focused on assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. The premier gathering featured major island leaders, United Nations, Regional organizations, scientists, policymakers, and community members committed to charting the course towards resilient prosperity of island communities and building a more sustainable future for island communities. SIDS4 explored a broad range of topics related to island resilience, prosperity, and sustainability both at plenary and side events and showcased panels discussions, speakers and presentations made by government leaders, researchers, community advocates, students, and stakeholders from around the world. AISDEBF was glad to connect with partners and make new connections at the SIDS4 in Antigua and Barbuda.

AISDEBF Executive Chairman Tabenyang attended and participated in more than 3 side events, namely, African Islands States Climate Commission AIS High-Level Dialogue: Leveraging Partnerships for Climate resilience Organized by the UN Economic Commission for Africa,Transforming SIDS Economies through Energy Transition and Climate Action towards Prosperity, Resilience and Sustainable Development – Organized by the IRENA SIDS and the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI).

As a panelist on the technical session of the African Islands States Climate Commission AIS High-Level Dialogue, Tabenyang pointed out the need to engage the African diaspora as partners in confronting the common challenges facing the African Island States. He highlighted the role that Diaspora could play as an additional and alternative source of investment, policy expertise and knowledge in this region.

Tabenyang concluded his intervention by indicating that AISDEBF is ready to collaborate with all partners on mobilizing resources to finance climate adaptation and mitigation in African Island States. Before departing from the Antigua and Barbuda on May 30, 2024, Tabenyang attended The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI).

Leave a Reply Cancel reply