Children and Young People: The Future of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
A Call to Action
UNICEF photo of children in the Eastern Caribbean
On the eve of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda, children and young people are gathering in force to ensure that their voices are heard at this once-in-a-decade global event.
The Children and Youth Action Summit
The Children and Youth Action Summit, running from 24-26 May, brings together some 60 young leaders from the three SIDS regions, comprised of 57 nations scattered across our oceans. These young activists are rightly sounding the alarm: they face an uncertain future in countries that are among the most vulnerable on the planet.
The Challenges Faced by SIDS
SIDS tend to be remote and highly dependent on external markets, with undiversified economies susceptible to external shocks. Extreme weather events, rising seas and temperatures, coastal erosion, and biodiversity loss – all caused or exacerbated by climate change – also damage lives. With around 65 million people, SIDS represents less than one percent of the world’s population but carries a disproportionate burden of challenges.
The Vulnerability of Children and Young People
Children and young people are especially vulnerable. They are more affected by the ravages of climate change: a degraded environment affects them physically and psychologically, with bodies less able to cope with extremes of weather and pollution. In addition, as well as the billions of dollars of loss and damage following the 2017 Caribbean hurricanes, nearly three-quarters of children in Dominica became displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
The Commitment to Action
At UNICEF, meaningful engagement of children and young people in policymaking is vital. We aim to ensure that all children, everywhere, enjoy the rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We can foster resilient, enduring communities by empowering children and incorporating their perspectives into development initiatives.
This is why the Children and Youth Action Summit is so important. The ratified Commitment to Action will be presented to global leaders at the SIDS4 conference (27-30 May), where they are meeting to build a new 10-year action plan.
The Pathway to a Sustainable Future
The Commitment will lay out a pathway to transform education systems that embrace digitalization and new technologies, better training and employment prospects, improved physical and mental health, the inclusion of the most marginalized and vulnerable in policy dialogues and interventions, a cleaner, greener planet, and more sustainable development characterized by resilient economies.
Conclusion
The decisions made and actions taken – or not taken – at SIDS4 will shape the lives of children for a generation to come. We can work to ensure a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for children, their families, and their communities. Millions of children and young people are counting on us. They are fighting for their future. We cannot let them down.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Children and Youth Action Summit?
A: The summit brings together young leaders from SIDS regions to ensure their voices are heard and to address the challenges they face.
Q: What are the main challenges faced by SIDS?
A: SIDS are vulnerable to external shocks, climate change, and environmental degradation, which can damage lives and economies.
Q: How can we ensure a sustainable future for children and young people?
A: By empowering children, incorporating their perspectives into development initiatives, and working towards a cleaner, greener planet.