UN chief calls for global efforts to help small islands conquer 'unique vulnerabilities'

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Thursday called on the international community to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to combat climate change, promote sustainable development and address their vulnerabilities.

While speaking at Security Council's open debate: "Peace and Security Challenges Facing Small Island Developing States", the UN chief outlined the progress made by SIDS and their unique vulnerabilities as well as the need to help them combat global menaces of which SIDS are bearing the brunt.

Last year's Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa increased global attention on their contributions to sustainable development but also on their unique vulnerabilities, Ban said.

"Our first priority must be to support SIDS in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In spite of considerable efforts, progress has been uneven," said Ban.

"Second, we need a post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals that address the needs of SIDS," said Ban.

At the recent Financing for Development Conference in Addis Ababa, it was encouraging that the concerns of SIDS were reflected, including in critical areas such as debt, trade, technology and Official Development Assistance, said Ban.

"Thirdly, we need a meaningful and universal and global climate agreement in Paris in December. SIDS are on the front lines of climate change," said Ban.

Rising sea levels, dying coral reefs and the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters exacerbate the conditions leading to community displacement and migration.

Over the years, SIDS leaders have been consistently calling for global climate action. And they have been leading by example, according to Ban.

"Many SIDS have been accelerating their own transition to renewable energy to secure a sustainable energy future. We must support SIDS in their actions to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts," said Ban.

Moreover, there are other challenges facing the people and governments of SIDS.

From traditional armed conflict to transnational crime and piracy, illicit exploitation of natural resources, climate change and climate-related natural disasters and uneven development, SIDS face a range of peace and security challenges, according to the concept note provided by New Zealand, which holds the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for the month of July.

SIDS are also focusing as never before on the menace of transnational organized crime. The threats include drug trafficking, human trafficking, piracy and wildlife crime, said Ban.

For example, "Caribbean SIDS are vulnerable to drug-trafficking and gang-related violence, which affect security and development," said Ban.

And, with Exclusive Economic Zones often larger than their land areas, SIDS also face the challenge of managing fisheries and preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing which undermine economies and contribute to insecurity, SIDS.

However, SIDS do not have the resources to combat such threats by themselves. Combatting climate change, promoting sustainable development and addressing the vulnerabilities of SIDS will demand partnership, capacity and leadership, said Ban.

"Today, let us commit the resources of the United Nations system as a reliable partner to Small Island Developing States as we work together for sustainable development and a life of dignity for all," said Ban.