Trinidad and Tobago is hosting global discussions on climate, development, and the future.
For the next three days, government representatives, international delegates, and various experts will come together for the Sixth Meeting of the Small Island Developing States National Focal Points Working Session.
According to Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, this network is the bridge between global aspirations and national implementation.
“The sixth in-person meeting is therefore not just a conference, it is a working session designed to strengthen the capacity required to implement, monitor, and evaluate effectively. A key outcome over the next two days will be the development of a practical monitoring and evaluation toolkit.”
He explained that while strong data systems and evidence-based reporting are vital for tracking progress and accountability, they must be supported by an all-of-society approach from the partners present today. Still, he said, monitoring and evaluation cannot stand alone.
“This requires securing adequate financing, investing in technologies and skills and pursuing innovative mechanisms and emerging financial instruments that can sustainably support the others.”
United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Ugo Blanco said these discussions aim to find solutions to challenges shared by all Small Island Developing States. However, he acknowledged that achieving this is not an easy task.
“It’s small, sometimes it’s a challenge. Additional vulnerabilities – that’s why we have to work together. We have a plan. The SIDS, all the SIDS in the world, came together in Antigua and Barbuda last year. We have a plan, but we have to implement it. We have to monitor it. We have to make sure that we can track progress. And that’s what we are supposed to be doing the next three days here in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries at the UN, Rabab Fatima, addressing the conference virtually, urged all participating members to continue working together and sharing experiences outside these working sessions.