Functions of the SIDS Secretariat

To facilitate the follow-up to the conference and the implementation of the Programme of Action, a SIDS Unit was created in 1995 within the Division for Sustainable Development. The SIDS Unit fulfills the following functions:

1. Provide substantive secretariat support to intergovernmental and inter-agency processes related to the monitoring, review and coordination of the implementation of the Programme of Action;

2. Act as a liaison and focal point for Governments, organs, programmes and agencies of the United Nations system, as well as other relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, on matters related to the follow-up to the conference and the implementation of the Programme of Action;

3. Prepare reports to be submitted to the Commission on Sustainable Development, and other relevant bodies, on the implementation of the Programme of Action, drawing on the inputs from all appropriate sources;

4. Provide support, as appropriate, to other activities emanating from the Programme of Action;

5. Follow-up with the WSSD Plan of Implementation related to SIDS;

6. Provide support for the preparations of the international meeting to be held in 2004 in Mauritius for a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the sustainable development of small island developing States.

For further information, please contact Ms. Diane Quarless, 
Chief, Small Island Developing States Unit