Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have been recognized as a distinct group of developing countries facing specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
The United Nations declared 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with the aim of raising international recognition of the environmental problems that SIDS are facing. As a result, many conferences have been convened throughout 2014, providing a forum for leaders of Caribbean SIDS to meet and discuss their needs and priorities.
The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States was held in Apia, Samoa on 1–4 September, 2014, and focused on the sustainable development of SIDS through genuine and durable partnerships. During the SIDS Conference, an ILO side event entitled “Promoting Closer Economic Integration for Full Employment and Decent Work in the Caribbean”, provided the medium for Caribbean SIDS leaders to discuss the future of economic integration in the Caribbean and its likely impact on the labour market. The side event also explored how partnerships between government, private sector and the labour movement can contribute to better labour market outcomes for the region.
Another side event, hosted by the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean was held in Lima, Peru on 13 October 2014, during the 18th American Regional Meeting, took the form of a Tripartite Meeting for the Consultations on “Decent Work, Climate Change and Sustainable Development.”
This collection of views and publications serves as a reference to inform, and disseminate information on the participation of Caribbean countries to the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States and the 18th American Regional Meeting, and the ILO’s support to it.
Giovanni di Cola Director, ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean
