4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States will take place from 27-30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda under the theme ‘Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity’.

The outcome document ‘The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity’ is now available for download on the conference website.

Discover the ITU programme at SIDS4

Digital Impact Unlocked in SIDS: Explore our latest impact stories and videos.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are vulnerable countries, which were identified by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, held in 1992), as a distinct group of developing countries that face particular situations of social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities and constraints.

Among SIDS are 36 ITU Member States in addition to 21 economies. Five ITU Member SIDS are located in Africa, one in Arab States, 14 in Asia-Pacific and 16 in the Americas. Eight SIDS are also classified as LDCs.

SIDS tend to face similar constraints in their sustainable development efforts, including a narrow resource base depriving them of the benefits of economies of scale. Small domestic markets, heavy dependence on a few external and remote markets, and high costs for energy, infrastructure, transportation and communication.

List of SIDS

Committed to supporting meaningful connectivity in SIDS

Meaningful connectivity, facilitated by broadband and mobile solutions, is bridging geographical gaps, enabling efficient trade, communication, and global market access for local businesses. Digital technologies and services offer new opportunities for economic diversification empowering SIDS to thrive beyond traditional sectors.

Meaningful connectivity can lay the ground for sustainable digital transformation in SIDS across the board.

Digital tools can bolster climate resilience and disaster management, providing early warning systems and precise data for informed decision-making. In the realm of education and skill development, online learning initiatives can help overcome barriers to quality education, fostering innovation and competitiveness.

The integration of renewable energy sources through smart grids can contribute to environmental sustainability. In the government sphere, digital technologies can empower SIDS with tools for efficient governance, transparency, and public service delivery.

In healthcare, telemedicine solutions can ensure remote islands have access to medical consultations and resources. Digital tools can also shape the future of sustainable tourism with digital marketing and virtual experiences that attract global travelers.

At the intersection of innovation and sustainability, digital technologies offer myriad ways of propelling SIDS into a future of resilience, growth, and improved living standards.

Committed to support SIDS in the journey through digital transformation, ITU has mainstreamed the needs of SIDS in all its activities, programmes and projects to achieve its commitments under the Samoa Pathway, adopted during the Third International Conference on SIDS held in Apia, Samoa in 2014. The Samoa Pathway set out new modalities to address the challenges and particular vulnerabilities of SIDS, including in the areas of economic growth, climate change, access to ICTs, and disaster risk reduction.

As part of the concentrated assistance to SIDS, ITU is promoting universal, equitable and affordable access to ICTs for all people in both underserved rural and urban areas, in order to bridge the digital divide. ITU assists SIDS through the development of ICT policies and regulations, infrastructure and technology development, ICT applications and cybersecurity. Given the vulnerability of SIDS to climate change and disasters, ITU helps SIDS set up early-warning systems and develop national emergency telecommunication plans.

ITU is committed to further enhancing its support to SIDS and the impact of its work on social and economic development across the board through ensuring meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation. Importantly, ITU is actively engaged in the preparatory process for the upcoming Fourth UN Conference on SIDS to be held on 27 – 30 May 2024 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.