Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland this week led the United States delegation to the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Throughout the conference and in meetings with counterparts and partners, Secretary Haaland and the delegation – which included senior officials and experts from across the Biden-Harris administration – underscored the United States government’s commitment to SIDS and advancing their sustainable development for a resilient future.
SIDS are disproportionately affected by global crises, including climate impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events. The Conference served as an opportunity for the United States to demonstrate its ongoing commitments to establishing policies, systems, and partnerships needed to strengthen SIDS’ resilience and promote long-term sustainable growth.
Throughout the visit, Secretary Haaland met with international leaders from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the United Nations Secretary General to discuss efforts to tackle climate change and support small island communities.
On Monday, Secretary Haaland delivered the National Statement on behalf of the United States. She highlighted the Administration's all-of-government approach to supporting SIDS' sustainable development. In support of these efforts, she noted that "the Biden-Harris administration released the first-ever U.S.-Pacific Partnership Strategy in 2022" and has initiated efforts with Congress to provide more than $8 billion in new funding for Pacific Islands programs. The U.S. is also expanding diplomatic presence in SIDS by opening new embassies, expanding USAID’s footprint in eastern Caribbean and Pacific regions, and sending Peace Corps volunteers to various islands.
The U.S. opened embassies in Solomon Islands and Tonga last year with plans for an embassy in Vanuatu this year. Additionally, there is an ongoing process to establish two new embassies in eastern Caribbean countries. Secretary Haaland also highlighted amendments to Compacts of Free Association that will provide $6.5 billion over 20 years for economic assistance to freely associated states like Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.
Secretary Haaland joined Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne along with UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner for discussions with conference attendees about SIDS development futures. She emphasized that "95 percent" of U.S financial support comes as grants free from debt dependence.
During her program participation she reiterated Interior Department’s commitment towards Pacific Islands & U.S territories citing visits made during 2022-23 where investments under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda were observed making positive impacts on people & wildlife economies amidst climate crisis effects being felt by small island communities.
On Wednesday she participated alongside Prime Minister Browne; Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.; Guam Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio discussing Local2030 Islands Network initiatives aimed at addressing climate crisis through SDGs driven locally informed solutions while highlighting continued Congressional funding support amounting $5 million towards network activities reflecting bold timely global response investment into strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems across Pacific-Caribbean regions partnering small islands accessing clean energy improving food-water security measures.
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