Call to Empower Science for the Future of Large Ocean States

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, 27 MAY 2024

The ISC SIDS Liaison Committee, dedicated to strengthening the representation of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) scientific community within the International Science Council (ISC), has mobilized ahead of the SIDS4 conference beginning today in Antigua and Barbuda. This initiative aims to ensure the voices of the SIDS scientific community are heard, and that their research is spotlighted for global policy-makers.

With robust support from the ISC’s Regional Focal Points for Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean, the Committee has launched a powerful declaration stating that while the environmentally and economically vulnerable group of Island States across the Caribbean, Pacific, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the South China Sea are at the forefront of adaptation, increased support for science is needed to ensure their ongoing resilience and sustainable development.

The ISC SIDS Liaison Committee invites all experts, scientists, and institutions involved with or connected to SIDS to endorse the declaration from the launch of the SIDS4 Conference on Monday 27 May 2024 and beyond.  

Small Island Developing States, also known as Large Ocean States (LOS), face unique challenges due to their geographical, ecological, and socio-economic characteristics. Despite these adversities, SIDS exhibit remarkable resilience and lead the way in sustainable development, pioneering adaptation and resilience building amidst existential risks. 

The Declaration emphasizes the indispensable role of science and technology in addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on SIDS, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion. Science provides evidence-based solutions necessary for resilient prosperity, from mitigating climate impacts to enhancing food security and deploying renewable energy. 

Mark Wuddivira, member of the ISC SIDS Liaison Committee and President of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, stated, “The Declaration from the ISC SIDS Liaison Committee speaks to the heart of what we strive for in Large Ocean States. Our resilience and ingenuity are vital as we face unique challenges. By investing in science and technology and fostering international collaboration, we can transform our vulnerabilities into strengths and lead all islands toward a more prosperous future. This declaration is a rallying cry for unity, innovation, and progress. We invite all scientists at SIDS4 and beyond to join us, endorse this call to action, and work together to build a sustainable and thriving future for all island nations.” 

Salome Taufa, ISC SIDS Liaison Committee member and Programme Adviser at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Fiji, emphasized the importance of global recognition and support for SIDS scientists. “This Declaration underscores the need to bring the work of SIDS scientists and indigenous knowledge holders into the global spotlight,” Salome Taufa said. “By creating relevant platforms and networks, we can connect with international funders, highlight the valuable research and achievements from our communities, and define our research priorities. We urge all scientists at SIDS4 to support this initiative and help amplify the voices of our local experts.” 

The Declaration is a call to action for increased support for scientific research, capacity-building initiatives, and technology transfer. It advocates for partnerships and knowledge-sharing networks to enhance local scientific expertise and facilitate collaboration among SIDS, high-income countries, and international organizations. The Declaration also calls for addressing the mismatch between donor priorities and SIDS’ needs and improving the visibility of SIDS scientists and indigenous and local knowledge holders. 

The ISC SIDS Liaison Committee invites all experts, scientists, and institutions involved with or connected to SIDS to endorse the declaration from the launch of the SIDS4 Conference on Monday 27 May 2024 and beyond.  

From Shores to Horizons: Empowering Science for the future of Large Ocean States

This declaration by the ISC SIDS Liaison Committee calls for increased international support and collaboration to enhance the visibility, capacity, and integration of science in SIDS, driving sustainable development and resilience in the face of unique challenges.

International Science Council, 2024. From Shores to Horizons: Empowering Science for the future of Large Ocean States. Paris, International Science Council.

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Call to Action from the SIDS scientific community

FOR PROSPEROUS, SUSTAINABLE, INNOVATIVE SIDS ECONOMIES

• Recognizing the urgent need for collective action and international cooperation to support SIDS’ sustainable development;
• Committing to prioritizing science and technology as key drivers of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in SIDS;
• Committing to prioritizing science and technology as key drivers of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in SIDS;
• Promoting partnerships and knowledgesharing networks to build local scientific expertise and to facilitate collaboration among SIDS, high-income countries, and international organizations, enhancing SIDS’ presence in global discussions and decision-making processes.

FOR STRENGTHENED SIDS SCIENCE SYSTEMS

• Resolving the mismatch between what donors are prepared to fund and what SIDS countries may see as their priorities, undermining capacity development in SIDS;
• Providing capacity-building workshops and training programmes to SIDS researchers, facilitating networking opportunities between SIDS researchers and potential funders through conferences, seminars, and virtual platforms;
• Enhancing the visibility of SIDS scientists and indigenous and local knowledge holders to international funders through the establishment of platforms or networks to showcase research expertise and achievements from SIDS;
• Urging governments, multilateral agencies, and philanthropic organizations to allocate resources and funding towards supporting SIDS’ scientific research priorities, while also establishing continuous mechanisms to ensure sustained support, moving beyond one-off events like SIDS4.

Support the Declaration

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The ISC SIDS Liaison Committee is seeking the support of all scholars, scientists, researchers, engineers, policy-makers, and organizations involved with or connected to SIDS to endorse their Declaration. I hereby sign the Declaration as: *

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Contact

James Waddell

James Waddell

Science Officer, Political Affairs Liaison

International Science Council

James Waddell

Learn more about the ISC at SIDS4

The International Science Council at the SIDS4 Conference
Discover how the ISC is working to mobilize the scientific community in SIDS and ensure that research on and from the SIDS is brought to the attention of global policy-makers. The Council will also emphasize the importance of science and technology for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs in these countries, and the leadership role that SIDS countries play in global environmental governance and sustainable development.