SIDS Centre of Excellence (COE)

A Platform for Resilient Prosperity created by SIDS for SIDS

The SIDS Centre of Excellence (COE) was officially launched at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS 4) held in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2024. The COE comprises four pillars that align with SIDS’ priority needs for support: the SIDS Global Data Hub, Island Investment Forum, Technology and Innovation Mechanism, and Debt Sustainability Support Service.

The COE is a key initiative arising from the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (A/RES/78/317) and has been reaffirmed in the 2024 SIDS Resolution (A/RES/79/203) and the Sevilla Commitment (A/CONF.227/2025/L.1).

Based in Antigua and Barbuda, the COE follows a “by SIDS, for SIDS” model, supporting all SIDS in achieving resilient prosperity.

OHRLLS has supported the operationalization of the COE through the development of a comprehensive project document outlining governance arrangements, resource mobilization strategies, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks to guide implementation of the Centre, based on close consultation with all key partners.

A high-level opening of the SIDS COE was held on 25 September during the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly, bringing together leaders from SIDS, development partners, and organizations supporting the COE. The official opening of the Centre is planned for the fourth quarter of 2025 in Antigua and Barbuda.

Documents

• The SIDS Centre of Excellence: Building a Platform for Resilient Prosperity
• SIDS COE one-pager
• Press Release - High-Level Opening of the SIDS Centre of Excellence (25 September 2025)