In the SAMOA Pathway, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) recognize the importance of investing in the education and training of their people to build resilient societies and economies, with full and productive employment, social protection and decent work for all, stating that “full and equal access to quality education at all levels is an essential condition for achieving sustainable development”. Education for Sustainable Development is especially important in SIDS nations that are under direct threat from climate change, to empower communities to make informed decisions for sustainable living rooted in both science and traditional knowledge. UNESCO profiled several partnerships in support of resilience building in SIDS, including through Sandwatch, South-South cooperation and by harnessing science, technology and innovation. A particular focus will be on harnessing collaboration between SIDS and engaging with SIDS in climate change networks within the framework of UNESCO’s Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development, to be launched in Aichi-Nagoya in November 2014.

Proper management of the world’s ocean — the lifeline of the planet — is critical for human well-being in SIDS, as they depend on it for food, livelihoods, economic development and essential ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, as well as a source of identity and a foundation for unique island cultures. SIDS nations have identified addressing the gap in ocean science capacity as a prerequisite for sustainably managing the vast ocean spaces and resources under their national jurisdiction, and support the creation of regional training oceanographic centres to facilitate scientific training in an exchange among SIDS. In response, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is proposing several partnerships to support ocean-science training in SIDS.

Ocean acidification, which could have drastic consequences for coral reefs, pelagic fisheries and the communities that depend on them, is also a major concern. The SAMOA Pathway calls for international cooperation to increase our understanding of the potential impacts of marine acidification on marine environments. Island nations are launching a new Acidification Network for the Caribbean, Pacific and AIMS regions within the existing Global Ocean Acidification Observation Network supported by IOC-UNESCO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Pathway supports efforts to promote and preserve cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, which provide a mechanism for social cohesion and, thus, are essential building blocks for addressing the challenges of social development. Those SIDS that have not already done so are encouraged to become parties to UNESCO’s conventions in the field of culture, particularly the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and the 2003 Convention on the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Small island States have by nature a strong historical connection to the sea and vast ocean territories with an extremely rich submerged heritage that includes sunken cities, ancient shipwrecks and submerged prehistoric sites. Young culture specialists and State representatives were trained in underwater archaeology, and side events focusing on the Convention were organized for Member States seeking more information. UNESCO also invited States, universities, tourism professionals, civil society and experts to work towards the establishment of a Pacific Underwater Cultural Heritage Partnership, to boost capacity building and the sharing of information in order to improve the protection and management of SIDS underwater cultural heritage.

UNESCO was committed to giving youth a voice throughout the preparatory process of the SAMOA Pathway, fostering youth inclusion and dialogue between youth and leaders since early 2013 with “My World, My SIDS”, in partnership with UNICEF. During the conference, Irina Bokova met with about 100 young people. They discussed the TALAVOU Youth Statement, a contribution to the SIDS Conference that includes many of UNESCO’s areas of work. These young women and men made a strong commitment to be partners in implementing the SAMOA Pathway outcome document and requested continued support for their involvement in the SIDS process. They provided concrete recommendations on how youth could be peer educators, raise awareness of issues and advocate for sustainable development in small islands. UNESCO, joined by the Minister of Environment and Energy of the Seychelles, provided a platform for young scientists to advocate for improved science education and the promotion of careers in the sciences for young people in SIDS.

On 11 September 2014, Irina Bokova will discuss the way in which UNESCO can best assist its Member States in implementing the SAMOA Pathway during an information meeting at UNESCO Headquarters. This discussion will be the starting point for the establishment of an Action Plan based on the SAMOA Pathway, within UNESCO’s mandate.