UNIDO and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

UNIDO’s approach to multi-disciplinary initiatives is best embodied in its Country Programme (CP) and Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) models to accelerate ISID in Member States.

The CPs are well established in UNIDO’s Member States, including SIDS, and are renewed and adapted in multi-year cycles according to national and regional priorities. They are formulated to improve resource mobilization, strengthen national and international partnerships, enhance synergies among UNIDO technical services and align assistance priorities with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). They define the scope of UNIDO’s interventions and steer the delivery of programmes and projects in key thematic areas identified by the national governments. They also provide a practical guiding instrument for potential donors and a clear monitoring and reporting framework of the results achieved.

In addition, and where applicable, the PCP is recognized as an effective model to further integrate and scale up UNIDO’s multidisciplinary interventions in Member States within a framework of multi-stakeholder cooperation and high-level ownership by the government. 

UNIDO’s approach to promoting ISID in SIDS will target them as groups while also focusing on individual countries, thereby tailoring interventions to each country’s specific needs.

Taking into consideration the distinctive geographical features and size of SIDS, regional and sub-regional approaches to development have been found to be effective, among others, given the ability to generate economies of scale. Regional and sub-regional programmes – including, eventually, a regional PCP in SIDS – will help to strengthen inter- governmental partnerships for increased synergies, resource sharing and knowledge and technology transfer. They will also aim to improve the policymaking capabilities of each country to create a suitable regulatory environment. Cooperation and integration among SIDS and relevant organizations will ensure that positive effects will be sustainable and scaled up after completion of the programmes.

In line with the Organization’s PCP approach, multi-stakeholder partnerships will play a key role in leveraging additional investment for SIDS in selected priority sectors.

UNIDO’s approach will place a premium on South-South and triangular partnerships. It will build upon established partnerships with regional organizations and seek to foster new cooperation with relevant stakeholders, particularly in the energy sector. The Organization will further strengthen its engagement with sub-regional entities such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and its initiative the Small Island Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience Organization (SIDS DOCK), among others.

The coordination of UN system-wide actions for the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway is of particular importance. Such coordination takes place through the Executive Committee of Economic and Social Affairs Plus (ECESA+), of which UNIDO is a member.

The UN System Implementation Matrix towards the achievement of the SAMOA Pathway captures priority areas for actions by UN entities as well as associated lead responsibility and links to existing and new partnerships. It is being continuously updated and serves as an accountability framework and working tool to promote and monitor progress.

The Strategy’s means of implementation are aligned with SAMOA Pathway and the 2030 Agenda and include: financing, partnerships, trade, capacity-building, technology and data and statistics.

The Strategy will assist donor Member States, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), UN country teams, and other development stakeholders by facilitating effective contributions and efficient technical assistance to SIDS, in particular within the UN system.