On the sidelines of the Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB56), representatives from small island developing states (SIDS) convened to jointly identify new SIDS-driven project ideas for the Green Climate Fund. H.E Khadeeja Naseem, Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology of the Republic of Maldives, chaired the event. 

During the meeting, two priority project areas, namely Climate Information Services and Water Security, were successfully identified as having high potential impact and relevance for the participants. There was a notable emphasis on the necessity for innovative and relevant solutions tailored to the unique challenges and contexts of individual SIDS. This entails ensuring that technology solutions are not only fit-for-purpose but also sustainable in the long term. Moreover, the session underscored the significance of fostering collaboration, inter-regional linkages, sharing best practices, peer learning, and promoting South-South cooperation as essential components for addressing these pressing issues effectively.
This session kicked off the consultation process for development of the CSRI Climate Resilient Water Security Programme. It was followed by joint online write-shops and consultation sessions with the participating countries, direct access entities and potential programme partners in October 2023, March and April 2024. This vital programme is a global, SIDS-driven approach working towards the end goal of achieving climate-resilient, environmentally healthy, and water-secure island nations. You can find more information on the process and how to participate here.