The sustainable development goals and the EU development policy : a focus on climate actions in small island developing states

Abstract

The development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015, created a new agenda for all signatory countries, including the European Umon (EU). It provided them with a way forward, to achieve a stronger, better and more sustainable planet with greater co-operation between countries. However, segments of countries face various difficulties in implementing such goals, due to their economic and social backgrounds, as well as structural economic challenges, such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which makes implementation a tedious task. The EU, in its efforts to grow in importance and relevance in international politics, has always strived to assist those countries which face such difficulties especially through its development and cooperation policy. This is especially true in the implementation of the SDGs where, the EU sought to assist developing countries to achieve these goals. This research investigates the relevance of European Development policy in the context of SIDS to achieve SDG #13, dealing with climate action. It does so by applying a mixed methodology, by using a qualitative case study and descriptive statistics. The finding points towards a minimal type of relevance given by EU funds in the three-case study SIDS of- Mauritius, Vanuatu and Jamaica. It is found that, although policy and funds focus on economic development and social infrastructure, there is little focus given to climate change issues.