Pictured: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell announces that The Bahamas will be the host country for the United Nations Small Island Developing States Symposium during a press conference this week. The three-day event will be held at Melia Nassau Beach Resort on Cable Beach, February 21-23. (BIS Photos/Derek Smith)

The Bahamas will host the United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Symposium scheduled for February 21-23 at Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

It is anticipated that delegates representing 37 United Nations member states will engage in high-level discussions during the symposium.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell said the symposium presents and excellent opportunity for the country.

“The symposium will provide a platform for decision makers from SIDS, to reflect on how they can further integrate the 2030 Agenda and the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway in national plans, policies, strategies and public institutions. The Symposium will also reflect on the special vulnerabilities of SIDS to the adverse impacts of climate change and natural disasters.”

The theme for the three-day symposium is “Implementing the 2020 Agenda for Sustainability and the SAMOA Pathway in Small Island Developing States: Equipping Public Institutions and Mobilizing Partnerships.”

Professionals from a cross-section of disciplines will participate in the event, including delegates from planning, public administration, health, education, economic and finance, the environment, disaster management, as well as institutions that are directly responsible for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and statistical office.

Over 200 delegates representing governments of SIDS, national and local governments and the United Nations will form the core group of representatives. Other participants will include representatives from philanthropic and donor agencies, transit countries and bilateral regional and international organizations.