Small island developing states

This session will be moderated by Escipión J. Oliveira-Gómez, Director of the Division of Enterprises Competitiveness and Institutions, ITC

ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton will participate in a High-Level Closing ceremony as a Speaker

Seaside Chat between ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Vice President of Palau and the Vice President for Operations at Caribbean Development Bank

10 – 11 a.m. - Opening segment
The election of the President of the Conference
Statements by the President of the Conference, the President of the General Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, the Secretary-General of the Conference and a youth representative

Consideration of procedural and organizational matters, including the adoption of the rules of procedure and the agenda, the election of officers, the establishment of a Main Committee, if required, the appointment of the members of the Credentials Committee, arrangements for the preparation of the report of the Conference and other matters.

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
General debate

Accurate and timely data helps governments and businesses understand market demands, consumer preferences, and emerging trends. This information is crucial for formulating competitive trade strategies, identifying new markets, and aligning products or services with global demand. Therefore, access to reliable trade and investment data is crucial for SIDS governments to formulate and implement targeted policies that foster an environment conducive to SME competitiveness, trade, and attracting investments. Governments, businesses, and policymakers must prioritize data-driven approaches to ensure the resilience and success of their economic initiatives in an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape. Recognizing the key role of Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in fostering SME competitiveness, this Side event will be an exchange of best practices, tools and experiences among partners to map out climate change-related risks and opportunities facing companies whilst identifying further data needs by SIDS. The objective is to enable appropriate policies fostering sustainable development and resilience. The event will feature the launch of the SIDS Trade Tracker and the Agrifood Exports and Climate Change guide for Business Support Organisations (BSOs)

General debate

General debate

General debate

SIDS are facing the brunt of multiple crises: climate change, the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, and a crisis of debt. At the same time, the political commitment to achieving responsible and inclusive social and economic growth while combating climate change and promoting responsible consumption and production has never been greater. Transforming commitment into action is key for SIDS if they are to face their natural vulnerabilities to ecological fragility, proneness to natural disasters, low incomes and high dependency on food imports and overreliance on fossil fuels for energy. Economic, environmental and social resilience can be enhanced for SIDS to overcome vulnerability through increased regional market integration, economic diversification, promotion of greater coordination and cooperation, and evidence-based policies and actions. Focus on improved access to market information, value addition, inclusive finance and investment and promotion of blue and green growth can be catalytic towards sustainable trade and development in SIDS. This Side Event shall explore perspectives of key stakeholders, MSMEs and experts operating in selected value chains across SIDS to assess how market-led partnerships or alliances can lead to enhanced economic resilience through blue-green growth and value addition.

ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton will participate in a High Level Panel Discussion and speak on the important role of MSMEs in the sustainable development of SIDS and how to strengthen MSME competitiveness. She will also highlight the need for entrepreneurship development within the youth, women and indigenous communities.

General debate

General debate

ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke Hamilton will moderate a 20 min fireside chat with: H.E Ms. Minna-Liina Lind, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, H.E. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

General debate

Closing of the general debate
Closing segment, including reporting on the interactive dialogues, adoption of the outcome document and the report of the Conference