Ministry Statements & Speeches:
New Zealand welcomes this session that is dedicated to the SAMOA Pathway and SIDS issues.
We remain committed to the Pathway and we are proud to have been actively involved in the SIDS Conference alongside the Government and people of Samoa.
The SAMOA Pathway provides a comprehensive agenda for advancing and supporting the sustainable development interests of SIDS.
It has not been superseded by the 2030 Agenda, which provides a global understanding and commitment to sustainable development
But rather the Pathway and the 2030 Agenda have strengthened each other.
The SAMOA Pathway remains an important way and means of achieving sustainable development in SIDS and supports SIDS’ efforts in the framework of the 2030 Agenda.
In SIDS and other small states where administrative capacity is constrained, it is important that reporting of progress against the Sustainable Development Goals is done in a way that is focused and streamlined.
Three examples of principles that could guide this approach include:
Firstly, reporting according to domestic priorities.
Secondly, using national or existing templates and data sets as far as possible.
And thirdly, reporting what is most relevant and most feasible.
SIDS have led and owned their development; often following sound and enduring National Sustainable Development Plans and reporting on progress towards national goals as well as reporting to regional levels.
The Pacific is an example of where there is a well-established set of regional reporting mechanisms that can and should be drawn on.
Additionally, New Zealand is supporting analytical work undertaken by the OECD and UNDP on addressing SIDS Financing Challenges.
We know SIDS are different, and through this work, we will be adding further evidence to assess and overcome the constraints to accessing finance, including development and climate action finance.
New Zealand encourages SIDS to be candid and if necessary, bold, if the 2030 Agenda appears to add bureaucracy and compliance costs at the expense of implementation and delivery.
New Zealand will be there to listen. And act. Simple, clear, consistent and streamlined processes will benefit everyone, including small states like us.