The "special case" status of island nations.


The State of SIDS Report 2026 - defending the special case

Summary for policy-makers.

The inaugural State of SIDS Report 2026 by the Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI) at ODI Global offers a comprehensive framework for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The publication defends the "special case" status of island nations, emphasizing the need to transition from crisis management to long-term resilience, ocean sustainability, and self-sufficiency over the next decade. The report, launched ahead of the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, outlines several core themes structured around the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS):
  • Resilient Economies: Addresses structural vulnerabilities, the need for increased productive capacity, and strategies to overcome crushing debt and economic shocks.
  • Safe, Healthy, and Prosperous Societies: Focuses on social inclusion, healthcare, food security, and preserving human capital in the face of climate-induced migration and environmental strain.
  • A Secure Future: Evaluates critical infrastructure, market connectivity, renewable energy transitions, and resilient water and transportation networks.
  • Environmental Protection and Planetary Sustainability: Emphasizes protecting marine and terrestrial biodiversity, ecosystem preservation, and adaptation to sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
  • International Cooperation: Underscores the necessity of tailored development assistance, better access to climate finance, and targeted partnerships designed "for SIDS, by SIDS".
Read the Summary for policy-makers!
Location: Samoa

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