The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) emerged from a pivotal moment in global diplomacy, the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, hosted in Antigua and Barbuda. Adopted by world leaders, ABAS reflects a renewed international commitment to support the sustainable development priorities of SIDS over the next decade.
It outlines what SIDS need to thrive: stronger data systems, innovation capacity, sustainable financing, improved connectivity, and inclusive economic growth, and sets out the global partnerships required to achieve them.
The CoE was created because of ABAS and for the purpose of delivering its priorities. Each pillar of the COE: data, innovation and technology, investment, and debt sustainability, directly corresponds to the gaps and ambitions identified in ABAS.
The Centre serves as the implementation engine of ABAS, transforming its commitments into practical systems, tools, partnerships, and country-level support. In this way, the SIDS CoE operationalizes the ABAS vision, ensuring that the next decade of SIDS development is driven by coordinated action, measurable progress, and sustained global support.
“The establishment of the SIDS Centre of Excellence. Built by SIDS for SIDS, is more than a building.
It is a promise and a platform. Through its Global Data Hub, Innovation and Technology Mechanism, Island Investment Forum, and Debt Sustainability Support Service, the Centre will help island nations transform vulnerability into engines of resilient prosperity.”
H.E Ambassador Aubrey Webson
Permanent Representative to the UN for Antigua and Barbuda