Stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors are vital to drive a transformational change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), says Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer.

The Maldivian foreign minister said this in his remarks, delivered at the Private Sector Roundtable during the fourth International Conference on SIDS held in Antigua and Barbuda.

Describing partnerships between the public and private sectors as a compelling framework for collaboration, FM Zameer highlighted that they involve pooling together resources and expertise, reducing risk significantly.

Further, he stated that through genuine partnerships, governments and businesses can deliver essential services and develop infrastructure in various sectors including healthcare, education, transportation, and energy. 

Shedding light on his experience in the private sector, FM Zameer urged the private sector to engage more actively with SIDS.

Stating that private sector investment has the potential to catalyze transformative change, FM Zameer urged governments to create an enabling environment for businesses to invest in SIDS, through firm policies and economic diversification.

Further, the Maldivian minister urged the international community to support boosting the state and productive capacities of SIDS which would in turn enable SIDS to mobilize resources and attract investment.

Leaders from governments, the private sector and civil society gathered at the Private Sector Roundtable, organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN OHRLLS).

Discussions at the roundtable revolved around the significance of partnerships towards the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS.

In addition to this, it featured the outcomes of the SIDS Global Business Network Forum, which was held from May 25 – 26.