30 May 2024
The Antigua & Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS)
We welcome the opportunity to submit views on this critical agenda that will shape the next decade of action for SIDS. Please find below the elements which can be enhanced in ABAS to ensure we can secure a pathway that can enable our communities to achieve true resilient prosperity.
Financing Models:
Reject the heavy focus on debt-based instruments as they worsen SIDS' existing debt burdens.
Prioritise grant-based finance and highly concessional loans accessible to ALL SIDS.
Focus on climate justice, recognising historical responsibility of high emitters.
Avoid reliance on private sector finance and market mechanisms which can be unpredictable and potentially exploitative.
Energy Transition:
Explicitly exclude fossil fuels from SIDS' energy transition plans holding all countries to the same standard.
Explicitly call for an end to all fossil fuel subsidies, not just inefficient ones.
Prioritise genuine renewable energy solutions, not "clean/modern" energy that may include fossil fuels or extend the life of the fossil fuel industry.
Equity & Inclusion:
Include explicit language protecting LGBTQIA+ and Indigenous Peoples' rights.
Ensure "resilient prosperity" is inclusive of marginalised groups.
Critical Minerals:
Protect SIDS from exploitation in the race for critical minerals.
Address social impacts, environmental risks, and governance challenges.
Climate Finance Delivery:
Explicitly needs to include reference to the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance
Prioritise grant-based, predictable, and timely finance from developed countries, fulfilling existing UNFCCC and Paris Agreement obligations.
Ensure comprehensive support, including technical assistance and funding for loss and damage.
Reject reliance on carbon markets and offsetting, which perpetuates fossil fuel use and threatens SIDS' survival.
Strengthen the Loss and Damage Fund by including it as a subgoal within the NCQG.
Avoid "all sources" language for mobilisation, as it can lead to dependence on external actors.
Critically assess proposals like the SIDS-CDP, which may shift the burden to SIDS and rely on volatile private finance.
Monitoring progress:
Ensure clear and measurable targets for monitoring and evaluating progress.
For any queries, please contact PICAN Senior Policy Advisor, Dr Sindra Sharma at sindra.sharma@pican.org
Download submission here:
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