UN Conference on Small Island Developing States (Apia, Samoa, 1–4 September 2014)
Input of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on the objectives and substantive
themes of the Conference
By nature of their geographic location and very small physical and economic size, Small Island
Developing States (SIDS) have an inherent vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters. The
levels of economic growth of many SIDS is negatively affected by the impacts of climate change,
including changing patterns of extreme weather such as increased severity of cyclones, storm
surges, heavy rain and drought and slow onset processes such as sea level rise and ocean
acidification. Due to the insufficient resilience of SIDS to such disasters, the scale of disasters is
often not localized, rather it is amplified, resulting in already limited resources being redirected from
other social, economic and infrastructure development activities to almost solely relief and
reconstruction efforts.
Foundation investments by SIDS in disaster risk reduction, including early warning systems for
severe weather and climate extremes, and climate adaptation supported by information products
and services based on climate predictions targeting critical sectors (agriculture and fisheries,
health, tourism) are therefore critical towards building resilient communities, safeguarding total
produced capital at risk and enhancing economic and infrastructural viability, thus facilitating the
sustainable development and well-being of people living in SIDS.
SIDS have often demonstrated leadership in calling for determined and urgent action to address
climate change and build resilience and adaptation to weather and climate extremes through
innovative and yet affordable and replicable solutions and they can lead the way in the application
of weather and climate services to support vital economic sectors and communities in building
resilience to weather and climate.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) supports SIDS through its Programme for Least
Developed Countries and more targeted actions such as capacity building to enhance and
strengthen the capacities of SIDS National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and
the development and application of science-based climate information and services in support of
decision making through the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) (see proposed
partnership initiative).
Therefore, WMO strongly recommends that the Conference include among its objectives to identify
and promote actions to build resilience to weather and climate extremes through improved
information products and services, for the sustainable development and well-being of SIDS.
The topic could be discussed under the substantive themes of climate change and disaster risk
reduction.