1. Chung Keeyong, Special Representative for Indo-Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the "Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)" held in Antigua and Barbuda from Monday, May 27, to Thursday, May 30, 2024.

2. This conference, themed "Charting the Course toward Resilient Prosperity," was convened to discuss ways the international community can support the sustainable development of SIDS. It was attended by the heads of state and government, and ministerial-level officials of over 100 countries, as well as representatives from international organizations and civil society.

※ Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a group comprising a total of 39 developing island nations and 18 associate members of UN regional commissions. SIDS face social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities due to their geographic locations.

※ The International Conference on SIDS, which is organized by the UN Secretariat to discuss development issues of these countries, has been held approximately every ten years since the first conference in Barbados in 1994: first (1994, Barbados) → second (2005, Mauritius) → third (2014, Samoa) → fourth (2024, Antigua and Barbuda).

3. In his keynote speech on May 27, Special Representative Chung highlighted the Republic of Korea’s efforts to expand its Official Development Assistance (ODA) to fulfill its role as a responsible member of the international community. Further, he introduced Korea’s tailored support reflecting the needs of various regions, including the Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean, to help SIDS overcome structural vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.

4. Additionally, in a high-level thematic discussion on "Revitalizing SIDS Economies for Accelerated and Sustainable Growth," Special Representative Chung emphasized the need for diversified development financing and increased climate resilience to boost the economies of SIDS facing unique geographical challenges. He called on the international community to continue strengthening cooperation for the sustainable development of SIDS.

5. During the conference, “The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS)" was adopted, reflecting the international community's commitment to achieving common goals for supporting SIDS over the next decade.

※ The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) outlines goals in supporting SIDS from 2024 to 2033 to help SIDS meet their ambitions for resilient prosperity, increase the effectiveness of development finance, scale-up biodiversity climate finance, conserve ocean resources and build disaster resilience.

6. The Korean government plans to continue participating in international efforts to help geographically vulnerable SIDS overcome challenges, such as climate change and economic crises, and achieve sustainable development.