Small Island Developing States
The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) identified disaster risk reduction as a key priority. This is reflected in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), the successor framework to the SAMOA Pathway.
This new Programme of Action builds on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. It provides an opportunity to address implementation gaps, strengthen coherence and ensure that SIDS remain on the path towards resilient prosperity.
The commitment of SIDS to use Sendai Framework indicators to monitor and report on ABAS reinforces coherence, alignment and accountability. It also reduces reporting burdens and supports data-driven decision-making.
At the heart of the Strategic Framework 2026–2030 of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) lies a commitment to leave no one behind. This means advancing gender equality, disability inclusion, youth engagement and Indigenous knowledge, and addressing systemic discrimination as drivers of resilience. Inclusive resilience is not an optional goal for SIDS. It is essential to building communities that can anticipate, absorb and recover from shocks.
The international community has a duty to support [SIDS], led by the countries that have greatest responsibility and capacity to deal with the challenges they face. SIDS are a test case for climate justice and financial justice.
António Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations
What are Small Island Developing States?
SIDS are a group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions. They are located in the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS) regions.
SIDS are home to about 65 million people, less than 1% of the world’s population. They face unique social, economic and environmental challenges shaped by geography, limited resources and high exposure to natural hazards.
SIDS are among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with disproportionate vulnerability to cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis and sea-level rise.
Figures in US dollars (USD). Source: FAO (2017); EM-DAT (2024); WMO (2022)
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Sendai Framework priorities for Small Island Developing States
SIDS have shown leadership in implementing the Sendai Framework but continue to face systemic challenges across its four priorities. Under the UNDRR Strategic Framework 2026–2030, resilience efforts in SIDS are supported through four catalytic areas: risk knowledge, locally led disaster risk reduction (DRR), financing for resilience and recovery readiness. All four are driven by inclusive partnerships and coherent climate action.
Priority 1: understanding disaster risk
Vulnerability in SIDS is multidimensional and compounded by limited access to technology, data and analytical capacity.
UNDRR supports SIDS in closing these gaps by:
- Strengthening risk data systems and national capacity to collect and analyse disaster loss data.
- Promoting the use of science, technology and local knowledge to inform decision-making.
- Supporting the development of comprehensive risk assessments and open-access data platforms.
Priority 2: strengthening disaster risk governance
Effective risk governance is critical to sustaining resilience. Many SIDS have pioneered integrated approaches linking DRR and climate adaptation, but implementation remains uneven due to siloed financing, limited local capacity and a lack of legal frameworks.
UNDRR supports SIDS to:
- Develop and update national DRR legislation and integrated financial frameworks.
- Enhance coordination between sectors and levels of government, building coherence across climate and development planning.
- Empower parliamentarians and policymakers through the UNDRR toolkit for DRR legislation to improve oversight and accountability.
- Promote inclusive governance, ensuring that women, youth, persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples shape DRR strategies.
- Strengthen the role of local governments and community institutions in implementing DRR policies and monitoring risk.
The UNDRR Comprehensive Risk Management (CRM) initiative helps SIDS align DRR and climate action, breaking silos and supporting coherence between National Adaptation Plans and DRR strategies.
Priority 3: investing in disaster risk reduction
Financing for risk reduction in SIDS remains inadequate, with most resources still directed towards response and recovery. UNDRR works with SIDS to scale up financing for prevention and resilience through:
- Development of national DRR financing strategies, including budget tagging and tracking.
- Support for integrated climate and DRR investment frameworks aligned with ABAS and the Sendai Framework.
- Promotion of public-private partnerships and innovative instruments such as parametric insurance and resilience bonds.
- Collaboration with ministries of finance, international financial institutions and the private sector to de-risk investment environments and strengthen access to concessional finance.
- Implementation of the Guide for Adaptation and Resilience Finance to engage insurers and investors in climate and DRR solutions.
UNDRR also partners with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) through the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) initiative. This helps SIDS such as Tonga and Trinidad and Tobago apply the UNDRR Principles for Resilient Infrastructure and conduct infrastructure stress testing.
Resilient infrastructure and risk-informed investment are essential to drive structural transformation and unlock sustainable growth.
Priority 4: enhancing preparedness and recovery readiness
SIDS lag in early warning coverage and recovery planning, which keeps many countries in prolonged response cycles. UNDRR helps SIDS shift from reactive to proactive approaches through:
- Expansion of multi-hazard early warning systems through the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative and Early Warnings for All (EW4All).
- Promotion of anticipatory action and post-disaster needs assessment capacities at national and local levels.
- Support to local authorities for community-based preparedness and early action protocols.
- Strengthening of regional collaboration on forecasting, response and recovery coordination.
- Encouragement of community participation through public awareness initiatives such as #GetToHighGround tsunami drills.
UNDRR and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are jointly improving global monitoring of early warning systems through the EW4All Dashboard and Global Status Reports, which feature SIDS progress and lessons learned.
Support to help Small Island Developing States achieve and sustain resilient prosperity
The work of UNDRR with SIDS is guided by its Strategic Framework and grounded in partnership, inclusion and innovation. As the focal point for DRR in the United Nations system, UNDRR acts as a global leader, convener and trusted partner to catalyse action.
Capacity building and means of implementation
- Support for legislative frameworks and integrated finance mechanisms for multi-hazard governance.
- Capacity development through the UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) and the SIDS Centre of Excellence.
- Technical support for hazard and loss tracking systems and data interoperability.
- Collaboration with UNOPS under the Santiago Network Secretariat to provide technical assistance for climate-vulnerable SIDS.
Harnessing synergies between climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and development
- Promotion of coherent approaches through Comprehensive Risk Management (CRM), aligning climate adaptation, DRR and sustainable development.
- Support for sectoral integration in health, water, education, energy and tourism.
- Capacity building for integrated budget tagging and risk-sensitive planning.
- Advancement of local and national resilience through MCR2030, which engages 25 cities across eight SIDS.
Infrastructure resilience
- Partnership with CDRI on resilient infrastructure design and planning.
- Development of stress-tested investment portfolios that factor in local climate risks.
- Integration of risk assessments into critical infrastructure and housing investments.
Community empowerment and inclusion
Inclusive resilience is central to the UNDRR approach. Resilience efforts in SIDS must reflect and benefit the diversity of their communities. UNDRR works to:
- Strengthen local DRR leadership and community-based planning.
- Promote digital tools for preparedness and response at the local level.
- Ensure the active participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons and Indigenous communities in DRR policies and actions.
- Support social and economic inclusion for communities displaced by disasters or climate impacts.
By ensuring that no one is left behind, SIDS can achieve resilience that is equitable, lasting and transformative.
Coordination and partnerships
- Co-development of the ABAS Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, building on the Sendai Framework Monitor.
- Strengthening coordination among regional, humanitarian and development partners for coherent risk management.
- Engaging with United Nations agencies, academia, the private sector and civil society to align investments and share knowledge.
The road ahead: shared responsibility for resilience
SIDS are on the front lines of the global resilience challenge, and the coming years are decisive. The implementation of ABAS and the UNDRR Strategic Framework provides a window of opportunity to transform risk governance, financing and local leadership.
Working with and through partners, UNDRR will continue to champion inclusive, risk-informed development. This ensures that SIDS not only recover from disasters but thrive amid them, safeguarding prosperity, equity and sustainability for generations to come.
