Small Islands Mobilize for Energy Action
Energy was high on the agenda at the (SIDS), held 27-30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda -- as SIDS face unique challenges in having to import expensive fossil fuels even as they are confronted by extreme climate impacts.
In the adopted at the Conference, Governments recognized SIDS' need for access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy, particularly renewable energy, as well as the significant barriers they face related to accessing finance, market readiness and reskilling workforces. The agreement outlines the support that SIDS seek from the international community to foster sustainable energy transitions, including investment, partnerships, technologies specific to their needs, and changes to overcome structural barriers.
UN-Energy members organized a number of events and initiatives at the Conference. These included an event on Accelerating Just and Equitable Energy Transitions in SIDS, organized by Sustainable Energy for All with the Government of Barbados and the Commonwealth Secretariat. The event drew on lessons learned from the development of the Barbados Energy Transition and Investment Plan and explored emerging opportunities to support SIDS to identify new clean energy transition pathways aligned with their unique situations and support them in achieving their energy and climate targets as outlined in their NDCs and Energy Compact commitments.
