The role of AOSIS in promoting the sustainable development of small island developing states

Abstract

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is a coalition of small islands and low-lying coastal countries that share similar economic and environmental challenges and concerns especially their vulnerability to the adverse effects of global climate change. AOSIS has a membership of 43 states and five observers, drawn from all oceans and regions of the world: Africa, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Pacific and South China Sea. The chapter explains the main objectives of the Alliance and how it sought to explain and to support SIDS' efforts in international negotiations. The author contends that there is potential for AOSIS to achieve success through cooperation and interaction, especially if AOSIS becomes a formal organisation, with a full-fledged secretariat and an extensive portfolio of supporting programmes for the sustainable development of SIDS.