Latest news with #SmallIslandDevelopingStates
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Al Misnad, UN officials review efforts to boost ties, support landlocked countries
QNA Ashgabat Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Lok Bahadur Thapa, on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, currently taking place in Awaza, Turkmenistan. The meeting reviewed avenues of cooperation between Qatar and ECOSOC, highlighted Qatar's leading role in supporting developing countries, and discussed preparations for Qatar's hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled for November. The two sides affirmed that the upcoming summit will serve as a valuable opportunity to review various mechanisms and benefit from the experiences of developing countries that have made notable progress in social development. During the meeting, the Minister of State for International Cooperation reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to remaining a strategic partner to the United Nations in addressing developmental challenges. Dr. Al Misnad also met with United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima. The meeting dealt with discussing the strong partnership between Qatar and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sri Lanka inks solar partnership with ISA; regional push for SIDS platform, decentralised solutions
New Delhi: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Government of Sri Lanka signed a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to accelerate solar deployment, financing and institutional capacity-building in the country, as part of the Seventh Regional Committee Meeting for Asia and the Pacific. The CPF was exchanged in the presence of Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, between Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody and ISA Director General Ashish Khanna. The Colombo meeting also saw CPF exchanges with Fiji, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. In addition, a Pledge of Support for the ISA Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Platform was adopted by participating island countries, reaffirming collective action on decentralised solar and storage-based energy solutions. 'Sri Lanka supports ISA's four strategic pillars and is working to establish a STAR Centre in Colombo as a regional hub for solar training and research ,' Prime Minister Amarasuriya said in her address. She called for deeper regional collaboration and a focused approach for SIDS and lower-middle-income countries. 'These countries face high costs, limited land, and grid constraints—but also immense potential in decentralised solar and storage-based solutions,' she said. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said, 'Our national goal is to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar energy is central to this vision. The Platform will help Small Island Developing States benefit from economies of scale, reduced transaction costs through competitive bidding, and enhanced knowledge exchange.' ISA Director General Ashish Khanna said the Asia-Pacific region plays a key role in shaping the global solar energy landscape. 'ISA's approach in the region is anchored in four key pillars: mobilising catalytic finance, strengthening institutional capacities, fostering regional platforms, and enabling innovation and technology deployment. We are committed to working in close partnership with each Member State,' he said. India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, said, 'India's energy transition journey—marked by achieving 50 per cent installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of schedule—demonstrates what collective ambition and decisive action can achieve. Through ISA, we have the opportunity to light up not just homes, but futures.' The ISA SIDS Platform, jointly developed with the World Bank, aims to accelerate inclusive, climate-resilient energy access across island nations. An MoU was also signed between ISA and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to advance solar cooperation in mountainous regions. The meeting featured sessions on digital energy solutions, cross-border renewables trade and startup innovation under the SolarX APAC pitch competition. The two-day meeting, hosted in Colombo, continues on July 17 with discussions on operationalising the SIDS Platform and scaling technology-driven interventions.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Vanuatu Statement Ahead Of Landmark International Court Of Justice Advisory Opinion On Climate Change
Statement by Hon. Jotham Napat, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Port Vila, Vanuatu (14 July 2025) 'We eagerly await the landmark opinion of the world's highest court on the greatest existential challenge facing our planet: the climate crisis. The Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which will be issued on July 23 at 3:00 pm CEST, is not just a legal milestone, it is a defining moment in the global climate justice movement and a beacon of hope for present and future generations. 'Vanuatu and our fellow Small Island Developing States have long sounded the alarm as the seas rise around us, the storms grow stronger, and the cost of inaction deepens by the day. We have done so not out of fear, but from a place of courage, principle, and conviction that justice must prevail, and that the law must serve those most at risk. 'This case was born from a spark of hope from Pacific youth who dared to bring the world's biggest problem before the world's highest court, and their call was echoed by over 80 nations who stood together to demand climate justice. 'For the first time ever, the past decade includes the ten hottest years on record—and last year was the hottest ever. The United Nations tracked 152 unprecedented extreme weather events around the world in 2024, and this number will continue to grow as climate change continues to intensify. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'We turned to the Court to clarify what international law already requires of States, because putting all our faith in mechanisms like the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement are not generating the actions the world urgently needs fast enough. We sought confirmation that States' legal obligations extend to their climate-related actions, especially when those actions have caused harm beyond borders. 'A favorable opinion from the Court could affirm that States have had long-standing legal obligations to act on climate change, including obligations rooted in human rights and environmental law. It could clarify the legal consequences for States that have failed to meet these obligations. It could provide a powerful tool for courts, communities, and negotiators around the world to seek remedies for the climate injustices that have occurred. It could support vulnerable nations in securing climate finance, technology, and loss and damage support. And it could help shift the global response from promises to accountability. 'I am hopeful for a powerful opinion from the ICJ. It could set the world on a meaningful path to accountability and action. 'But no matter the ICJ's ruling, this will be a turning point in the fight for climate justice. This process has elevated the voices of climate-vulnerable nations, driven global awareness, and set the stage for stronger climate action. This ruling will give us a foundation to build upon, and this moment will inspire continued efforts for stronger action and accountability, inspiring bold efforts to protect our planet.' Vanuatu and allies have led the initiative to obtain this Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Vanuatu government officials will be in the Hague for the readout of the Court's ruling on July 23.
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore to train more aviation and maritime officials from around the world
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow delivers his speech at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on July 14. SINGAPORE – More aviation and maritime officials from around the world will be trained here in Singapore, as the Republic launches and develops new training programmes in these two sectors. The programmes are part of moves to support the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO), which Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said were examples of multilateral institutions that are 'pillars of a rules-based international order'. They are also seen as part of efforts to cement Singapore's position as an aviation and maritime hub. The training programmes include one for transport officials from the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which includes states in the Caribbean and Pacific islands, among others. The programme will focus on the unique challenges that SIDS - like Singapore - face in the aviation and maritime industries, Mr Siow said, speaking at the opening of the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium. The first training programme for SIDS will be in 2026, for officials from the Caribbean Island states. Courses for the Pacific Island states and others are also in the pipeline. Mr Siow also said Singapore will work with the ICAO and IMO on a new global initiative to develop and deliver specialised training programmes for officials and practitioners across both the aviation and maritime sectors. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's economy continues to expand in Q2 despite US tariff uncertainty: Advance estimate Singapore What's in a name? Local author traces the evolution of Singaporean Chinese names Business From wellness zone to neurodivergent room: How companies are creating inviting, inclusive offices Singapore Govt will continue to support families, including growing group of seniors: PM Wong at PCF Family Day Singapore Swift action needed to stop vaping's slide from health risk to drug epidemic Singapore Art by Pathlight students to be displayed along Singapore River Opinion Hong Kong's past is disappearing, one icon at a time Sport Jannik Sinner dethrones Carlos Alcaraz to capture maiden Wimbledon crown The collaboration recognises 'increasing interdependencies between the aviation and maritime sectors, and the common challenges they face', said Mr Siow.. Mr Siow also announced the extension of the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, funding 330 fellowships and 10 scholarships valued at US$1.8 million over the next three years. This is aimed at supporting officials from developing ICAO Member States in attending aviation-related courses. The Republic has also committed a second tranche of US$3 million to the Enhanced Technical Co-Operation and Training Package for IMO and its member States, said Mr Siow. These funds will support courses for seafarers on alternative fuels, digitalisation, marine casualty investigations and other areas. Singapore had already pledged US$5 million for a five-year period from 2024 to 2028. To date, Singapore has run aviation and maritime training courses for more than 1,800 participants under the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, and over 2,400 participants under the Singapore-IMO Third Country Training Programme, Mr Siow said. Mr Siow said at the symposium that Singapore has been 'a strong supporter' of the ICAO and IMO since it joined both organisations in 1966, and served as a member of the ICAO and IMO Councils since 2003 and 1993, respectively. The event has brought the global aviation and maritime communities together for the first time, including the Secretaries-General of the ICAO and IMO, ICAO and IMO 'pillars' in unpredictable world Mr Siow said Singapore remains committed to working with the ICAO and IMO. 'In an increasingly unpredictable global climate, multilateral institutions like the ICAO and IMO are pillars of a rules-based international order,' he said. For example, the organisations' 'clear, rules-based frameworks' allow the safe movement of people and goods by air and sea, even during crises. And they provide 'steadfast leadership' even in 'periods of transition and turbulence', serving as platforms for collective action and global cooperation, Mr Siow said. To Singapore, 'connectivity is existential', Mr Siow said. 'We are a major aviation and maritime hub, connected to around 170 cities by air and over 600 ports across 120 countries.' Singapore is also a hub for international travel and trade, and has invested in upgrading its airport and seaport, as well as air traffic and vessel traffic management systems, he added. 'Because of Singapore's connectivity, we can see and feel first-hand how global trends are shaping aviation and maritime,' Mr Siow said. These trends include 'more fragmented and volatile' economic and geopolitical environments, resulting in rising costs and heightened uncertainty, said Mr Siow. This has had knock-on effects on freight networks and port operations worldwide. At the same time, consumer demand for transport is growing faster than capacity, Mr Siow noted. As passenger and cargo traffic by air and sea continue to grow, 'countries are striving to build infrastructure and capability to meet the rising demand'. The aviation and maritime industries are also grappling with longer-term issues such as climate change and technology, he added. In his speech, Mr Siow said two challenges that both industries must tackle are safety and sustainability. (From left) Minister of State Baey Yam Keng; Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai; ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar; Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow; IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez; Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling; and Permanent Secretary Lau Peet Meng in a group photo at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium in Raffles City Convention Centre. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Safety the 'foundation' of aviation, maritime sectors Maintaining safety has become more demanding as air and sea traffic grows and operating environments become more complex, said Mr Siow. For example, airspace for flights is tightly regulated, and maritime vessels in open waters sail without central traffic control, relying on onboard navigation systems and local guidance near ports to ensure safe passage, said Mr Siow. New technologies are being used in both sectors to improve operations, 'but they also bring new risks', Mr Siow noted, such as cybersecurity threats and system vulnerabilities. 'We must ensure that our people are well-equipped to use these technologies safely, and make the right decisions even under pressure,' Mr Siow said. 'This is why training remains critical.' As for sustainability, Mr Siow noted that the aviation and maritime sectors each contribute about 3 per cent of global emissions, adding that aviation and maritime decarbonisation must be balanced against economic development. The ICAO and IMO have adopted 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goals. For aviation, the key is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel which can reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent, compared to fossil jet fuel on a life-cycle basis. Importantly, sustainable aviation fuels can be used with existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure. This is not the case for the maritime sector. While there are various alternative marine fuel options - such as liquefied natural gas, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen - the availability of infrastructure for these fuels varies across shipping routes. 'The maritime community is therefore preparing for a multi-fuel future,' Mr Siow noted. More than 500 delegates, including transport ministers, senior officials, regulators and industry leaders and experts from more than 80 countries are in Singapore to attend the symposium, which runs until July 18.
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Acting Transport Minister Siow announces global maritime and aviation training initiatives, new support scheme for small island nations
[SINGAPORE] Singapore will develop specialised training programmes with the United Nations' transport agencies and launch a separate initiative for fellow small island states, as part of its broader push to strengthen global cooperation in aviation and maritime resilience. The announcements were made by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on Monday (Jul 14), where he addressed over 500 delegates – including ministers, regulators and industry leaders – from more than 80 countries and 90 organisations. Also in attendance at the symposium were the chiefs of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Juan Carlos Salazar and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez. Held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, the symposium marked the first time the global aviation and maritime communities have convened under one roof. Noting Singapore's longstanding support for the ICAO and the IMO, Siow said the Republic will build on this by co-developing new global training programmes with both bodies for officials and practitioners in the aviation and maritime sectors. 'With the expertise and support of ICAO and IMO, these training programmes will better equip the international aviation and maritime communities, to build stronger and more resilient international transport systems,' said Siow, who is also Senior Minister of State for Finance. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The Ministry of Transport (MOT) said that the programme may cover leadership development and technical skills upgrading in areas such as digital transformation, safety and security management, and accident investigation. It will be developed over the course of 2026 with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Siow also announced a new initiative tailored to the needs of Small Island Developing States, such as Singapore. The first course will launch in 2026 for officials from the Caribbean Island States, with future courses planned for the Pacific Islands and others. The programme will be delivered in partnership with CAAS, the Singapore Aviation Academy, MPA and the MPA Academy. It will offer one to two courses a year, tailored to different levels – from senior leadership to technical and operational roles – and conducted in person, virtually or in-region. Countries eligible for the programme are members of the Alliance of Small Island States, of which Singapore is a member. A limited number of fellowships will be offered each year, covering travel, accommodation, course fees and allowances. Alongside the new initiatives, Siow also announced updates to Singapore's longstanding partnerships with the UN transport bodies. Singapore will extend the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme for another three years, providing 330 fellowships and 10 scholarships worth US$1.8 million. Since its launch in 2001, the programme has trained more than 1,800 participants. Separately, Singapore will contribute a second tranche of US$3 million to the IMO's Enhanced Technical Cooperation and Training Package, adding to an initial US$2 million committed for 2024 to 2025. The funds will support courses for seafarers in areas such as alternative fuels, digitalisation and marine casualty investigations. Discussing issues together These announcements come as global transport systems face mounting pressures from shifting geopolitics, supply chain disruptions, climate change and rapid technological shifts. Siow said that as a major aviation and maritime hub – connected to around 170 cities by air and more than 600 ports – Singapore sees first-hand how these forces are reshaping the sectors. For instance, geopolitical tensions, tariffs and regional conflicts have disrupted air and sea corridors, while businesses are redesigning supply chains in response to uncertainty. At the same time, demand continues to outpace capacity, climate pressures are driving decarbonisation efforts, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming operations. 'These challenges will require the sustained efforts of states and stakeholders globally. No country, no company, can do this by ourselves,' he said. 'Looking at the work ahead of us in tackling emerging challenges and seizing opportunities in aviation and maritime, it is timely that we have come together to discuss these issues.' Against this backdrop, Siow emphasised the importance of institutions such as ICAO and IMO, calling them 'pillars of a rules-based international order'. 'Singapore remains fully committed to supporting the ICAO and IMO in their missions and work, and to partnering other member states and the industry to address common challenges and opportunities to advance the global aviation and maritime sectors,' said Siow.
