30 years of AOSIS: a moment of environmental and cultural reckoning

The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, delivered a statement in a high-level virtual event commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). The event celebrated the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), their inhabitants and their contribution to advancing regenerative and synergistic development in the global agenda. 

Dr QU recognized the work of AOSIS in favour of the most vulnerable on key issues like climate change, ocean conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development, which has led to important outcomes, such as the SAMOA pathway. “FAO is committed to support SIDS through the Global Action Programme on Food Security and Nutrition, the Hand-in-Hand initiative, and the dedicated FAO Office for SIDS, Least Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LDCs),” he stated. He affirmed his desire to strengthen cooperation with AOSIS for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

Joining the FAO Director-General in the delivery of congratulatory messages to AOSIS were a number of partner agencies and Member States. Notably, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, took the opportunity to reiterate that he will “continue to support response and recovery efforts, and advocate for improved access for SIDS and middle-income countries to debt relief, fresh resources, and concessional loans and grants.”

AOSIS is a coalition of 44 small island and low-lying coastal developing states, including five observers. More information on the AOSIS 30^th anniversary event is available here.