Cape Verde President Urges Action on SIDS Water Security
President José Maria Neves of Cape Verde has issued a powerful call to action, urging developed nations to take responsibility for the water security of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as they face the escalating threats of climate change.
A Shared Responsibility for Global Stability
Speaking in a recorded address to the III High-Level Dialogue on SIDS at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Neves emphasized that technical and financial assistance from the world’s leading economies is not just a matter of charity, but a necessity for global resilience.
“It is fundamental that developed countries recognize their responsibility to support SIDS in this matter,” Neves stated. “Aid is vital so that we can implement innovative solutions that protect our water resources and promote adaptation to climate change.”
Protecting Infrastructure from Natural Disasters
The two-day summit, titled “Water security for resilient prosperity in Small Island Developing States,” highlights the unique challenges faced by island nations. While Cape Verde has made significant strides in water mobilization and efficiency programs, Neves warned that current progress remains fragile.
He noted that water and sanitation infrastructure in these regions are increasingly susceptible to destruction by natural disasters. To combat this, the President called for the implementation of dedicated resource mobilization mechanisms designed specifically to cover the high costs of infrastructure recovery and damage control.
A Push for Global Financial Reform
Cape Verde has long been an outspoken advocate for the SIDS community, frequently highlighting how small ocean nations are disproportionately affected by climate shifts they did not cause. The Cape Verdean government is currently championing a proposal to overhaul the global financial architecture.
The goal is to ensure that small states are no longer penalized by credit markets due to their scale. By adjusting the criteria for accessing credit and international support, Cape Verde argues that SIDS can finally secure the funding needed to build long-term climate defenses.
“I call on everyone present to join forces in favor of a global agenda that truly prioritizes water security,” Neves concluded, reinforcing the urgency of the crisis facing island populations worldwide.
Image: Pexels – Erik Mclean
