The event organised by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Government of Barbados, Government of Vanuatu and UK FCDO will showcase the potential of transforming SIDS economies while also achieving sustainable energy access and transitioning to cleaner and more resilient energy systems. The theme of the event is 'Revitalising SIDS Economies for accelerated and sustainable growth'.
Location
Room 1, American University of Antigua, Jabberwock Rd, Osbourn, Antigua & Barbuda
Background
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) aspire to achieve a resilient form of prosperity that is reflected in healthy environments and sustainable development for all. However, this aspiration faces significant challenges. Being on the frontlines of climate change, SIDS experience some of the direst impacts, particularly floods and severe storms. They are also highly dependent on strategic imports including fossil fuels for power generation and transportation, leaving them highly vulnerable to external shocks. Transitioning to abundantly available domestic renewable energy sources is critical to enhance resilience while reducing carbon dioxide emissions in SIDS. While SIDS have made a collective commitment to achieve 100% renewable in their power mix by 2030 and net zero emission targets by 2050, lack of access to financing and investment from private and public funders is a significant barrier. The SEforALL and development partners, including the Commonwealth Secretariat have been collaborating on developing country-led, data-driven, energy transition and investment plans and business cases to support SIDS unlock the finance and investment required to achieve a rapid, just, equitable and secure energy transition.
Objectives
The side event would draw on lessons learnt from the development of the Barbados Energy Transition and Investment Plan and explore emerging opportunities to support SIDS to identify new clean energy transition pathways aligned with their unique situations and support them in achieving their energy commitments. Potential speakers could include government officials from Barbados, Vanuatu, Dominica, and other SIDS, alongside Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec), World Bank, UK FCDO, and SEforALL.
