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FAO Liaison Office in Geneva

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) comprise 40 countries and territories—39 FAO Members and one Associate Member—situated across the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea regions. SIDS are culturally and ecologically diverse, possess vast ocean spaces rich in natural resources, and play a pivotal role in safeguarding marine and terrestrial biodiversity essential for local livelihoods and global sustainability. 

SIDS also share unique vulnerabilities, resulting in a complex set of food security and nutrition challenges. Because of their small size and isolation, SIDS are particularly threatened by natural disasters and the impacts of climate change, as well as a high incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Many have limited arable agricultural land and depend on small scale agriculture, ocean resources, and high-priced imports. The triple burden of malnutrition is often a reality in SIDS, with undernourishment, micronutrient deficiency and obesity coexisting within the same country, community and even household.

Agrifood systems in SIDS are deeply intertwined with biodiversity, local economies, and cultural heritage. Strengthening these systems is essential not only for food security and nutrition, but also for reducing import dependence, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting livelihoods. 

FAO supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in transforming their agrifood systems by providing targeted technical assistance, policy guidance, and improved access to finance. Our work focuses on strengthening resilience, enhancing food security, and advancing sustainable development in the face of climate change. Key initiatives include the Hand in Hand Initiatives, SIDS Solutions Platform for knowledge exchange and innovation, support for National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), efforts to reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals, improved disaster risk management, and the promotion of climate‑smart innovation across agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.

In the context of these challenges, SIDS remain on top of FAO’s agenda, as demonstrated by (i) having a dedicated office for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs); (ii) the SIDS Solutions Platform which was established by FAO following its co-hosting of the first SIDS Solutions Forum in August 2021; and (iii) the positioning of FAO as a leading partner on SIDS agrifood systems transformation, with increased visibility through dialogues, knowledge products, and targeted outreach.

LOG reinforces engagement with SIDS Members while ensuring greater alignment and coherence of FAO’s work across headquarters, regional and country levels in responding to SIDS-specific needs and advance commitments under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (2024-2034), particularly in relation to food security and nutrition, sustainable economic growth, and climate resilience. This is pursued through close and well-established coordination with the Office of SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs (OSL).

LOG regularly engages with SIDS geographical groups present in Geneva, bringing together the CARICOM and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Groups in Geneva to discuss critical issues and challenges specific to island contexts, in close collaboration with OSL, as well as relevant technical divisions in headquarters.

The FAO SIDS Solutions Dialogue Series is a joint initiative of the FAO Liaison Offices in Brussels, Geneva and New York, in partnership with OSL, aimed at addressing key issues related to agrifood systems transformation in SIDS. 

Here is a list of SIDS Solutions Dialogues so far, in reverse chronological order:

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