4th International SIDS Conference Points and what it means for Jamaica: The Jamaican Economy Panel Responds

In 1992, the world acknowledged that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges that demand urgent and focused attention. This global commitment was reinforced through the Barbados Programme of Action in 1994, the Mauritius Strategy in 2005, and the SAMOA Pathway in 2014. Yet, despite significant strides, SIDS continue to grapple with the relentless threats of climate change, natural disasters, and economic shocks. Over the past three decades, these nations have not only persevered but have emerged as trailblazers in climate action and ocean stewardship, leading the charge for a sustainable future.

In this JEP discussion, panellists discussed whether the key priorities from the ABAS Outcome document truly align with Jamaica's National Development Plan. They explored if anything crucial was overlooked and shared insights on three areas from the ABAS 10-point action plan that Jamaica should prioritize to accelerate sustainable development. The discussion explored potential challenges that may arise as Jamaica strives to achieve these goals.

According to Dr. Nadine McCloud, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of the West Indies Mona, hurricanes, like Beryl, underscore the severe threat that natural disasters and climate change pose to the sustainable development of SIDS like Jamaica and emphasize the critical role of development partners in efficiently supporting Jamaica's 10-year ABAS action plan to overcome these challenges.

“Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most recent encounter with Hurricane Beryl is a staunch reminder of the existential threat of natural disasters and climate change to SIDS' sustainable economic development, given their natural limitations and fiscal restraints. Post-disaster recovery efforts are usually sluggish or non-existent in specific affected SIDS communities, compounding their economic woes, thus making the development goalpost less reachable,” Dr. McCloud said.

Jamaica has made notable strides in climate resilience, sustainable economic growth, and social development. However, this progress has not translated into a significant increase in its SDG score since 2015. The 2024 Sustainable Development Report shows that Jamaica's overall score in 2023 is slightly below its score in 2022. Much work lies ahead as Jamaica enters the second half of the SDGs. The 10-year plan will be instrumental in helping Jamaica diversify its economy, secure better access to finance, and confront environmental challenges, all aimed at achieving sustainable prosperity.

Responding to the survey results, Mr. Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator, agreed that “Achieving the four key priority areas outlined in the ABAS Outcome document requires sustained collective efforts and strategic partnerships with development partners to effectively design, finance, and implement policies, projects, and programs aimed at securing long-term sustainability.” 

Overall, the JEP Panellists' discussion concluded that halfway through the SDGs, the ABAS agreement offers SIDS a crucial opportunity to reassess and address their ongoing challenges including climate change, environmental degradation, and economic vulnerabilities. 

Dr. Stuart Davies, Senior Economist, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office highlighted that “The unrelenting compounding impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, disasters and natural hazards, health and other social-related challenges together with economic vulnerabilities continue to beset SIDS development progress. Economic transformation and resilience building are core elements to the ABAS’s plan and strategic investments to increase productive capacities are an important part to this. While a strong alignment with ABAS provides added comfort to Jamaica, there is still much to do to realise sustainable development in the years ahead.” 

The Jamaican Economy Panel is part of a partnership between the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) and the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. The JEP brings together economic, public-sector experts and development practitioners to address monthly socio-economic questions. These questions help to highlight relevant economic issues and the collective expertise of the panellists.

For more information on the Jamaican Economy Panel and the results of this JEP discussion, visit the UN Jamaica website at www. jamaica.un.org.