Please visit our new website, presenting UNESCO's actions to help mall island developing states achieve their sustainable development (SAMOA Pathway).

This website documents UNESCO's actions to ensure effective implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) since 1994, the Mauritius Strategy since 2005. The current framework for SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action, adopted in 2014, is known as the SAMOA Pathway.

Facing a future whose only certainty is change, small island developing states are confronted with many problems and difficulties – some intrinsic and timeless, others extrinsic and new – in making progress towards sustainable living and sustainable development. However, small island societies have a record of thriving in challenging times. Their long histories are rooted in new and innovative approaches, societal mobilization and technological adaptation.

In contributing towards a new vision and commitment for small islands, UNESCO’s own action in support of countries and communities is rooted in the fields of culture, basic and natural sciences, social and human sciences, communication and education. The underlying challenge is that of building capacities, bridges and networks, in promoting problem-solving actions that mobilize key actors and constituencies, that generate effective momentum and impact, that are culturally sensitive and scientifically sound. Addressing this challenge calls for meaningful collaboration between societal and organizational sectors (intersectoral cooperation), between regions and between islands of different affiliations (interregional cooperation) and between generations (intergenerational cooperation).

Together with governments, civil society, regional bodies and other international organizations, UNESCO takes timely actions to ensure effective implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), referred to as the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) since 1994, the Mauritius Strategy since 2005, and the SAMOA Pathway since 2014.

The five-year United Nations-wide review of the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Sustainable Development of SIDS took place in New York (24-25 September 2010), culminating in a high-level meeting at United Nations Headquarters. UNESCO is contributing actively to the follow-up of this review process.

In this respect, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova regularly hosts thematic debates with SIDS Member States to ensure that the organization’s targeted programmes fully reflect their current concerns.

• Brochure reflecting UNESCO's actions in SIDS for 2010-2011 (PDF)