Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 14
Absence of measurable objectives in SIDS Strategy risks de-prioritising UK commitment.
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s publication of the Small Island Developing States Strategy 2022–2026. Being a firm, committed supporter of SIDS in addressing their developmental and environmental challenges is not only morally right; it is also in the UK’s geopolitical interest. However, we are concerned that, given the absence of measurable objectives in the strategy, the UK’s commitment to SIDS may slip down the Government’s priority list over time.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the report and reiterates its commitment to supporting SIDS through international advocacy, programmes, and recent funding announcements, but does not address the committee's concern about the lack of measurable objectives in the SIDS strategy.
Paragraph Reference:
14
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
1. The Government welcomes the International Development Committee (IDC) inquiry and subsequent report on the UK’s Small Island Developing States Strategy. The FCDO is grateful to the IDC for identifying important thematic areas for continued and increased HMG policy and programmatic support on SIDS. 2. Small Island Developing States are vital partners for the UK. The UK Government is committed to supporting the most vulnerable states to build resilient and prosperous futures. The FCDO is working with the international community to build on the achievements of the UN 4th SIDS Conference (SIDS4) in May 2024 and drive further action on international climate action and global finance reform. 3. The UK is supporting SIDS to increase their climate resilience and protect their biodiversity through international advocacy and programmes. The UK is amplifying SIDS voices to build coalitions for reform, including tackling onerous bureaucracies that impede access to concessional finance, and efforts to get SIDS the support they need on loss and damage. 4. UK support also includes the recent announcements at COP29 of a further £10 million to the Global Environment Facility’s Special Climate Change Fund to provide adaptation finance to Small Island Developing States and £5.3 million to the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance (PCRIC) to make sure more Pacific countries have the insurance they need in place before catastrophic weather events strike.