Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Chairs.
And firstly, let me convey my congratulations to you Janine and Rui for taking on the role of co-chairs of the Steering Committee. Thank you also to USG Li and Rabab and Sai and Tischka for your encouraging presentations. Be assued of our cooperation and support.
As the former co-chair of the SIDS4 process which included overseeing the negotiations that led to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, we are acutely aware of the central role multi-stakeholder partnerships play in supporting sustainable development in small island developing States. New Zealand takes a partnership approach to our own relationships with SIDS, particularly in the Pacific and we have seen how critical partnerships are to achieving development goals.
The SIDS Partnership Framework has the potential to serve as a mobilizing and coordinating mechanism for the partnerships SIDS need. We commend the co-chairs for your commitment to reinvigorating and strengthening the Partnership Framework in line with the recent General Assembly resolution on the implementation of the ABAS.
In considering the proposals in the Secretariat note which outlined possible approaches to strengthening the SIDS Partnership Framework we would like to make three suggestions:
First, the Partnership Framework has to be by SIDS, for SIDS. The Steering Committee should be responsive to SIDS requests and needs. We encourage the co-chairs and the Secretariat to work closely with AOSIS, and individual SIDS, to ensure the Framework is fit for purpose, valuable for SIDS, and complementary to existing bilateral, regional and multilateral efforts.
Secondly, on the proposal related to the appointment of SIDS Champions we think the Steering Committee could benefit from greater clarity on the proposed role, function and expected outcomes of the Champions. We support SIDS leadership in defining what they most want from any SIDS Champion. One idea could be to pick a theme for the champions to focus on that requires partnerships beyond member states, and then working backwards to identify the expected outcomes, role and function from there. Providing greater clarity around the parameters of the Champions will allow Member States to better assist in identifying the most appropriate individuals.
Third, impact must remain the Steering Committee’s focus. From utilising the SIDS Champions, to the convening of meetings under the Framework to focus on issues of relevance to SIDS, to the Partnership Awards at the end of the year, all must be judged against their contribution to measurable impact and delivery on the ground. In this UN80 year, when reform is front of mind for us here at the UN, we must embrace reform that prioritises delivering for the most vulnerable.
New Zealand remains as committed as ever to supporting our SIDS partners, and looks forward to continuing to engage in Steering Committee discussions.
I thank you Chairs.