Small Island Developing States meet in Tonga

Officials from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific are meeting in Tonga to review the implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) pathway.

In 2014, regional leaders and the United Nations secretary-general were among 3000 delegates who met in Apia to address issues in the Pacific.

In opening the latest meeting, the Prime Minister of Tonga, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, said the region was at a critical juncture in terms of common interests in the sustainable development of the islands.

Mr Pohiva said the SAMOA Pathway was endorsed in 2014 and it was critical that leaders recalled the mandate of the conference, especially in light of related international and regional processes that had occured since.

The three-day meeting is described as an occasion to discuss the first five years of the SAMOA Pathway and to agree on ways to accelerate implementation.

Discussions are expected to take place around areas like social inclusion, the environment, and equitable economic growth.

Addressing links between the SAMOA Pathway and the wider 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals is also on the agenda.

[Source: Radio NZ]

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