Strengthening civil society engagement for small island developing states (SIDS): A path toward sustainable development

Yuki Kimura
2 hours ago
5 min read

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Vulnerable to climate change, rising sea levels, and limited resources, these nations are often left grappling with environmental, social, and economic hardships. Despite their challenges, SIDS also hold a unique position to drive innovation and sustainable practices.

The Civil Society Engagement Forum for SIDS, scheduled for 12–13 May 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, is set to become a significant milestone in enhancing civil society's involvement in shaping the future of SIDS and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The forum, building on the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), which was adopted at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS in 2024, will provide a platform to integrate civil society perspectives into high-level policy discussions and ensure the implementation of sustainable, inclusive development strategies. With a focus on SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land, the forum aims to strengthen multilateral partnerships and ensure meaningful civil society involvement in the global sustainability agenda.

The objectives of the civil society engagement forum for SIDS

The Civil Society Engagement Forum for SIDS has two key objectives: first, to improve the integration of civil society perspectives into the implementation of ABAS, and second, to facilitate the creation of genuine and lasting partnerships that support sustainable development in these regions. The event will be structured into two main sessions.

On 12 May, a closed session will be held for civil society representatives from SIDS to discuss key priorities, identify capacity gaps, and formulate actionable recommendations for enhancing civil society's role in the SIDS Partnership Framework. This will provide a collaborative space for developing strategies to address the unique challenges SIDS face, such as climate resilience, renewable energy, and ocean conservation.

On 13 May, the second, more open session will take place in the ECOSOC Chamber, where civil society representatives will present their insights and recommendations. This session will also serve as an opportunity for dialogue with Member States and other stakeholders, aiming to strengthen collaboration and drive forward solutions that address shared priorities for sustainable development in SIDS.

A key outcome of this forum will be the presentation of the SIDS Civil Society Action Plan and Roadmap (2024–2034). This document is designed to address the specific needs of civil society in SIDS, providing a structured framework to build capacity, secure funding, and ensure that civil society is meaningfully included in the implementation of ABAS.

The SIDS civil society action plan and roadmap (2024–2034)

The SIDS Civil Society Action Plan and Roadmap (2024–2034) is a comprehensive strategy that outlines the steps needed to strengthen the role of civil society in the development and implementation of sustainable initiatives within SIDS. The plan focuses on three core areas:

Capacity building, funding, and inclusive engagement.

Capacity building: Many civil society organisations (CSOs) in SIDS face limitations in terms of technical expertise, organisational skills, and resources. The Action Plan outlines initiatives to enhance the capacity of local organisations by providing training in critical areas such as climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and resource management. It also includes efforts to empower local leaders, ensuring they have the skills necessary to drive community-based solutions and participate effectively in decision-making processes.
Securing adequate funding: Financial sustainability is often a barrier for CSOs in SIDS, which struggle to access consistent funding sources for their projects. The Action Plan proposes strategies to secure financial support from various stakeholders, including international donors, development banks, and the private sector. It also recommends improving existing funding mechanisms to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and directly to communities in need.
Meaningful inclusion in decision-making: The roadmap highlights the importance of ensuring that civil society is not only consulted but actively engaged in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies in SIDS. The Action Plan proposes mechanisms to improve participatory processes, ensuring that local communities are represented in discussions that affect their lives. This includes enhancing channels for public consultation and incorporating civil society’s insights into the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS.

Strategies for regional collaboration and tailored approaches

SIDS are geographically diverse, spanning the Caribbean, Pacific, and Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS) regions. As such, the SIDS Civil Society Action Plan tailors its strategies to meet the specific needs of each region.

In the Caribbean, the focus will be on disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, and building local capacities to manage environmental risks. Initiatives may include strengthening early warning systems, improving disaster preparedness, and developing sustainable agriculture practices.
In the Pacific, the emphasis will be on marine conservation, biodiversity protection, and enhancing regional cooperation for the sustainable management of marine resources. This could involve strengthening marine protected areas and developing community-based fisheries management strategies.
In the AIS region, the plan highlights the need for stronger maritime security, renewable energy solutions, and improving regional environmental governance. This includes fostering cooperation on issues such as sustainable tourism and climate change mitigation.

These region-specific strategies ensure that the SIDS Civil Society Action Plan is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a tailored guide for addressing local priorities within the broader framework of global sustainability.

The Global Society plays a critical role in facilitating the successful implementation of the SIDS Civil Society Action Plan. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires global cooperation and the active involvement of all sectors of society—governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.

Through partnerships, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, the international community can help SIDS overcome the challenges they face. The Global Society is key to facilitating these collaborations, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change and environmental degradation are heard and acted upon.

The implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals is crucial, as it highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to address complex global challenges.

By working together, the global community can ensure that SIDS are not left behind in the pursuit of a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all.

The Civil Society Engagement Forum for SIDS marks an important step in empowering local communities and enhancing civil society’s role in shaping the future of Small Island Developing States. With the presentation of the SIDS Civil Society Action Plan and Roadmap, the global community will have a clear, actionable framework to guide efforts in capacity building, securing funding, and ensuring meaningful participation in sustainable development initiatives.

The forum is a testament to the power of global collaboration and the vital role that civil society plays in addressing the challenges faced by SIDS. As the global community continues to work towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the involvement of civil society in SIDS will be a key driver of success.

For more information https://sdgs.un.org/2025SIDSCSOForum