On December 3, 2020, Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, participated in A SIDS (Small Island Developing States) Moment in December. The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), which Belize is presently chairing.
A SIDS Moment in December was an opportunity to reflect on the work of AOSIS and its achievements in championing the interests of small island developing states in respect to climate change, sustainable development, oceans governance, and financing for development. The previous chairs of the AOSIS spoke to the many achievements of the Alliance despite the obstacles that the group faced in its 30 years. A number of AOSIS’ partners also participated in the event including officials of the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Pakistan, Germany, Italy, France, and Brazil. The partners lauded the achievements of AOSIS and wished the group continued success.
Minister Courtenay spoke to the milestone achievements of AOSIS under Belize’s chairmanship, highlighting in particular the five-year review of the sustainable development agenda for small island states which infuses the next steps in the quest for more just, equitable and climate secure societies with urgency and increased international support and global climate ambition agenda.
Minister Courtenay ceremonially passed the Chairmanship of AOSIS over to the Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, who will Chair the alliance for the 2021-2022 period.
