The Dilemma for Small Island Developing States: Recovery or Development?

Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, the Prime Minister of Samoa, made this statement during the opening of the 4th International Conference on Small Islands Developing States (SIDS4), which was held in Apia, Samoa, in September 2014. The conference was attended by representatives from over 30 small island developing states (SIDS) and various international organizations.

SIDS are countries and territories that are geographically dispersed across the world's oceans and seas, and they face unique challenges in their economic, social, and environmental development. According to the United Nations, there are 38 SIDS, including countries in the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean.

The statement made by Prime Minister Mata'afa highlights the dilemma that many SIDS face in balancing the need to recover from current crises with the need to invest in long-term development. SIDS are often vulnerable to various external shocks, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, and climate change, which can set back their progress and undermine their development efforts.

For instance, many SIDS have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), SIDS are expected to experience a contraction in their economies in 2020, with tourism-dependent countries being particularly hard hit. Tourism is a major source of revenue and employment for many SIDS, and the closure of borders and suspension of international travel have had a devastating impact on their economies.

At the same time, SIDS also face long-term challenges in their development. According to the World Bank, SIDS have lower levels of human development compared to other regions, with an average human development index (HDI) value of 0.68 compared to 0.75 for developing countries as a whole. SIDS also face challenges in areas such as energy security, water and sanitation, and infrastructure development.

Given these challenges, SIDS need to make difficult choices about how to allocate their limited resources. They need to invest in measures to recover from current crises while also investing in long-term development. For instance, they can focus on building resilient infrastructure and institutions that can help them better cope with future shocks. They can also invest in sectors that have growth potential, such as renewable energy and agro-processing.

International cooperation and support are also crucial for SIDS to address their challenges. SIDS need access to financial resources and technology to build resilient infrastructure and invest in sustainable development. They also need support in areas such as capacity building and knowledge transfer.

In conclusion, the statement by Prime Minister Mata'afa highlights the dilemma that many SIDS face in balancing the need to recover from current crises with the need to invest in long-term development. SIDS need to make difficult choices about how to allocate their limited resources and seek international cooperation and support to address their challenges. The international community also has a role to play in providing financial and technical assistance to help SIDS build resilient infrastructure and invest in sustainable development.