Dubai
Excellencies,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
DESA is pleased to co-host with Greening the Islands this Side Event – “Small Islands Leading the way towards 100% renewables.”
Efficient, sustainable and clean energy systems have the potential to be a transformative driver of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Small Island Developing States have committed to renewable energy transition. Many have ambitious targets as part of their Nationally Determined Contributions. Despite this, many SIDS have struggled to unlock the potential of renewable energy to transform their societies and close the gap between fossil fuel dependency and a diversified energy portfolio.
SIDS face a specific set of challenges. SIDS are inherently small economies, and many are dependent on imports for their energy needs. They are geographically remote and face some of the highest electricity costs in the world. And SIDS are on the front lines of the accelerating impacts of climate change, including an increase in climate induced extreme weather events that offset infrastructural sustainability.
This unique mix of challenges requires tailored solutions. But it also makes SIDS the ideal setting to pilot new technology and innovations, which, if replicated, could help lead the global energy transition. Sharing of lessons learned, including on creation of enabling environment, policies and regulations to encourage investment in renewable energy and other best practices across SIDS regions, is key.
Today’s event will showcase new innovations in frontrunner islands across the three SIDS regions.
I note that Greening the Island Foundation has identified Antigua and Barbuda, Mauritius and the Kingdom of Tonga as potential candidates for piloting 100 per cent renewables in SIDS.
I am grateful to note presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of Tonga. His leadership, commitment and Tonga’s willingness to be a candidate as a pilot SIDS for 100 per cent renewables, is a testament of the commitment of small island states to addressing and reducing adverse impacts of climate change.
I also note that discussions with the Government of Mauritius and Antigua and Barbuda are progressing.
As the Secretary-General for the Fourth International Conference on SIDS, I have heard the strong calls from SIDS on their specific needs. Throughout the conference preparatory process, the call for genuine and durable partnerships to close critical gaps has been especially clear. SIDS need support to advance the financing, technology, and knowledge capacities that are essential to accelerating progress toward resilient energy systems.
I hope today’s discussion will serve as a steppingstone, supporting SIDS on their path toward resilient prosperity.
I wish you all the best for a fruitful discussion.
I thank you.