SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States

REMARKS ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY THE DELEGATION OF EGYPT AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY SESSION ON AGENDA ITEM 19 (B): FOLLOW UP TO AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SIDS ACCELERATED MODALITIES OF ACTION (SAMOA) PATHWAY AND THE MAURITIUS STRATEGY FOR THE FURTHER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (New York, 27 July 2018)

Mr. President,

1. It is my honour on behalf of the Group of 77 and China to introduce draft resolution A/72/L.60/Rev.1 on the modalities for the high-level review of the SAMOA Pathway, which is of technical rather than substantive nature. I will not go into the details as they have already been sufficiently discussed in the informal negotiations.

2. As we approach the mid-term mark since the historic adoption of the SAMOA Pathway four years ago, we are heartened to note the continued level of support from the international community to implement the pledges made. However, much more needs to be done. Although we welcome the recognition of SIDS as countries with special circumstances for development, and as countries facing extreme economic and ecological vulnerabilities, we need to ensure that this recognition is matched with resources required to help achieve the goals as set forth by the SAMOA Pathway. For small island developing states, the successful implementation of other agreements including the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development is closely linked to the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway.

3. The vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States means that we cannot allow another five years to pass without building our resilience. Throughout the next five years, we cannot merely take stock, note our unmet commitments and craft another agenda, as time is running out for SIDS. Climate change, water scarcity, and natural disasters are accelerating in frequency and intensity. We therefore must expand progress and action starting today to meet these challenges with creativity, cooperation, and determination that fully reflect these urgencies. We must clearly understand the remaining gaps, assess the trends, scale-up the initiatives for success, and determine how to make improvements to areas of continuing difficulty.

4. The Group of 77 looks forward to maintaining close engagement and receiving the support of all Member States in the process, as we have much we can share and learn from one another to help ensure that we make progress in achieving sustainable development.

5. We look forward to the constructive engagement of delegations in moving forward with this resolution and take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to all Member States involved in the negotiations. We look forward to the adoption of the draft.

Thank you.