How can small island developing states (SIDS) maximise their role and exert more significant influence in multilateral diplomacy: a focus on SIDS from the Indian Ocean

Abstract

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face a host of challenges and vulnerabilities stemming from their very smallness, limited resources, remoteness, economic dependence etc. and are disproportionately exposed to threats such as climate change. The former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-Moon once described SIDS as a “microcosm of the problems we face globally”, which would lead to the conclusion that their ‘problems’ and interests must be understood. The need for these SIDS to be adequately represented and heard is therefore undeniable.

For all the inherent vulnerabilities that come with their size, SIDS have geo-strategic value and advantages that must be leveraged. There are still numerous opportunities for SIDS to navigate multilateral diplomacy and have influence in a way that mitigates or offsets the impact of their vulnerabilities. The world will be better for it.

This paper explores the how of the matter- how SIDS can leverage their positions and exert more significant influence in Multilateral Diplomacy in order to offset the consequences of their inherent vulnerabilities. It will do so with a specific focus on SIDS from the Indian Ocean.