Turning the tide: Enhancing ocean equity for Small Island Developing States

2025 UN Oceans Conference Side Event: hosted by ODI Global's Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI) and collaborators.

Friday 13th June
(Local time): 2pm - 3:15pm
Room 2, Blue Zone

SIDS, or big ocean states, suffer disproportionately from inequities in the ocean economy. These include unequal exposure to ocean stressors such as marine pollution and climate change, and unequal access to ocean-related resources and benefits such as commercial fish catch and advanced ocean-related technologies. SIDS also lack power in decision-making processes related to ocean economic and financial governance. As a result, they receive fewer financial benefits from the ocean economy. More equity is needed so that SIDS can maximise the opportunities presented by their vast ocean spaces. This session will take stock of these challenges, with data and analysis from UNCTAD and ODI-Global, and case studies from the Maldives and EU and UK Overseas Territories. Speakers will highlight initiatives and examples of governance reforms that have enhanced ocean equity and unlocked finance for small island nations.

Collaborators include guest speakers from:

• The Government of the Maldives
• The UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Island Innovation
• UNCTAD
• The Green Overseas Program, Funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France