Ref: 2024/PR/124
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moosa Zameer, today delivered remarks at the Private Sector Roundtable during the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Antigua and Barbuda.
In his address, Foreign Minister Zameer described public-private partnerships as a compelling framework for collaboration, as they involve pooling together resources and expertise, reducing risk significantly. He stated that through genuine partnerships, governments and businesses can deliver essential services and develop infrastructure in various sectors including healthcare, education, transportation, and energy.
Drawing on his experience in the private sector, Minister Zameer urged the private sector to engage more actively with SIDS. He noted that private sector investment has the potential to catalyse transformative change. He called on governments to create an enabling environment for businesses to invest in SIDS, through robust policies and economic diversification. He also called on the international community to support boosting the state and productive capacities of SIDS, which would enable SIDS to mobilise resources and attract investment.
The Private Sector Roundtable, organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN OHRLLS), gathered leaders from governments, the private sector and civil society to discuss the importance of partnerships towards the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS. The Roundtable also showcased the outcomes of the SIDS Global Business Network Forum, which was held from 25-26 May 2024.
ENDS