Mr. Wu Hongbo Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Secretary-General for the International Conference on Small Island Developing States

Opening Remarks
The Second and Final Preparatory Committee Meeting

23 June 2014, New York

Distinguished Co-chairs,
Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have come a long way since the start of this historic journey to Apia, Samoa.

In guiding this journey, SIDS have taken the lead. 

From national consultations and country reports, to regional and inter-regional preparatory events, to the first and now the second and final meeting of the Preparatory Committee, SIDS have been leading the way.

SIDS partners have expressed strong support for that leadership.

On behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and in my own name, I want to express our deep appreciation for the leadership and commitment of SIDS. And for the strong support by development partners.

I also want to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to all the partner countries, both developed and developing, for your generous contributions to the SIDS Trust Fund.  The list of contributing countries is on the Conference website. 

Excellencies,

Since the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee this past February, Member States have made significant progress toward the objectives of the Conference as set out by the General Assembly.

At the April inter-sessional, delegations had a broad-based discussion on the zero draft of the outcome document, and on the subsequent compilation text that incorporated the comments of Member States.

Delegations also agreed on the title of the outcome document – SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (S.A.M.O.A Pathway). The title reflects the shared aspirations of Member States for accelerating progress in sustainable development of SIDS through a pathway led by SIDS, with the support and partnership of the international community. 

Excellencies,

Despite the heavy workload of several important intergovernmental processes, delegations have never stopped working in preparation for the Conference. 

Delegations have been meeting through informal informal consultations, carrying on the discussion on a non-paper, which was prepared by the Co-facilitators in a transparent manner in close consultation with delegations.  The result of this hard work is already seen in the revised text circulated to delegations last Wednesday.

I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the hard work of the Co-Chairs, the vice-Chairs of the Bureau and the Co-facilitators.

Important progress has also been made on other matters, including the draft rules of procedure, the participation of NGOs in the Conference, the partnership dialogues, as well as the programme of the Conference.

The activities to celebrate the International Year of SIDS, initiated by SIDS, by UN system organization, and by Major Group and other stakeholders, have further enriched the preparatory work for the Conference.

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

This second and final PrepCom is a critical milestone.  The successful conclusion of this PrepCom will lay the groundwork for the historic outcomes of the SIDS Conference.  It is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for reinvigorating global partnership in support of SIDS. 

I am confident that under your able leadership the PrepCom will conclude its negotiation on the outcome document, as encouraged by the General Assembly. And take the necessary decisions on the rules of procedure, the participation of IGOS and NGOs and other major groups in the Conference.

I look forward to continuing our collaboration in our shared mission.  Small island developing States are at the frontline of global sustainable development. Their mission is our mission. It is incumbent on all of us to work together during this PrepCom to pass this milestone with flying colors.

Thank you.      

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