New York, USA, September 24, 2026 (SKNIS): Saint Kitts and Nevis has called for stronger international partnerships, greater access to climate finance and accelerated investment in renewable energy to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) withstand mounting climate, economic and geopolitical pressures.
The call was made during a high-level working lunch with Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) members, co-hosted by Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Johann Wadephul, and Palau’s Minister of State, H.E. Gustav N. Aitaro, on Thursday, September 24, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Discussions focused on international climate policy and resilience, security and regional cooperation, as well as energy vulnerabilities arising from geopolitical developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Representing Saint Kitts and Nevis, Acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, stressed that the vulnerabilities confronting SIDS can no longer be viewed in isolation.
“For Saint Kitts and Nevis, and for SIDS more broadly, climate change, energy security and resilience are deeply interconnected,” said Dr. Hanley. “For us, resilience is therefore not simply an environmental objective. It is an economic and national security imperative.”
Dr. Hanley noted that disruptions in global energy markets and supply chains can have immediate consequences for small island economies through higher fuel, transportation and food costs. He therefore underscored the importance of renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and improved access to affordable financing and technology.
“Our objective should be clear: to move from vulnerability to resilience through stronger partnerships, greater access to finance and technology, diversified energy systems, and a stronger collective voice for SIDS,” he stated.
The acting prime minister reaffirmed Saint Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to working with Caribbean partners, fellow SIDS and the wider international community to advance practical solutions that strengthen the resilience and sustainable development of small states.
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