Minister Adlercreutz to attend UN Conference on Small Island Developing States
Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz will attend the UN’s fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda on 27–29 May.
At the high-level political conference held once every ten years, participants gather to review the situation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, adopt a political outcome document and propose a new plan of action for the next ten years. The conference also features an extensive fair and exhibition section for businesses and organisations.
Minister Adlercreutz has been asked to serve as co-chair of one of the conference’s five interactive dialogues together with President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu. The dialogue will focus on revitalising SIDS’ economies and promoting sustainable growth. The other participants in the dialogue are Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne and United States Secretary of State Debra Haaland.
During his visit, Minister Adlercreutz will have several bilateral meetings with ministers from partner countries and leaders of international organisations attending the event. These will focus especially on climate and environmental issues, the green transition and solutions Finland can offer. Minister Adlercreutz will also attend an event on the Global Gateway strategy, which aims to strengthen the role of the EU in its partner countries.
In addition, the minister will meet with Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Energy and with a variety of business representatives. The goal of the meetings is to promote the activities of Finnish companies in the region and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
This year’s SIDS conference is the fourth of its kind. The conference has previously been held in Barbados (1994), Mauritius (2005) and Samoa (2014).
Inquiries: Andreas Elfving, Special Adviser, tel. 050 310 0274, Prime Minister’s Office and Milena Hakanpää, Desk Officer, UN and General Global Affairs, tel. +358 50 330 2921, Ministry for Foreign Affairs