Mr. President, Distinguished Heads of State and Governments, Ministers, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the time my country joined the United Nations in 1991, the Rio Earth Summit was merely a fledgling idea. Negotiations on climate change were ongoing at the time, however, the idea that small-island states should receive special recognition seemed radical. Anyone suggesting, then, that the world would eventually come together for a conference specifically on the situation of small-island states, would have been considered a dreamer. Who would have imagined that a plan of action would be presented, and that in 1999, its progress would be reviewed in a special session of the United Nations General Assembly. But that is exactly what we are doing here and so we must thank the numerous delegates and officials, past and present, whose hard work and dedication have made it possible for us to be here today.

Mr. President, the issues that we are dealing with are not only relevant to the humanitarian role of the United Nations Charter, but they are also critical to all nations. This is an excellent opportunity to further the work already underway and to encourage even stronger measures as we enter the 21st century.

Overall, it is my government’s view that implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action has been slow. For instance, in receipts of Official Direct Assistance (ODA), small-island states have experienced significant declines over the past five years. The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia attended the recent SIDS donors conference with high hopes. At that time, we presented the comprehensive measures we had undertaken to pursue sustainability, and highlighted the unmet needs we feel are critical to capacity building and institutional strengthening. We are eager to proceed to the next stage and hope that today’s session will provide the impetus to set the wheels of ACTION into motion.

As modernization has unfortunately taken us further away from our traditional sustainable practices, we face a future with hope and confidence through the mandate of the Barbados Programme of Action. I am pleased to report that my people and government have already embarked on this new journey. For instance, although painful and difficult, we have successfully implemented structural adjustments and reforms that include drastic government downsizing. The Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia chairs a Sustainable Development Council that monitors implementation of sustainable mechanisms in the nation. In 1995, we convened our first ever national and state economic summits, and only last month concluded the second economic summit to evaluate our progress. My government has also made use of outside assistance for sound economic policy planning and management. This function will eventually be integrated and developed from within. The United Nations Development Programme has also been instrumental in providing for institutional capacity development of the private sector.

Full fruition of such initiatives depends on the government’s political will and the willingness to take difficult actions despite great political risk. It also hinges on the continued financial and technical assistance from our bilateral, regional and multilateral donors. To put it bluntly, Mr. President, the islands need help and will continue to need help. We must take positive and urgent action on these critical issues or else, small islands will only serve as disastrous examples of global complacency and inaction. As I stated last week in the General Assembly, the “business-as-usual” (“laissez-faire”) attitude on critical global issues is no longer adequate.

To continue, I must recognize the signs of progress under the Barbados Programme of Action. Though slow, we are beginning to see some benefits through such institutions as the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme.

Mr. President, the term “adaptation” is no longer considered a dirty word in the context of the Climate Change Convention. The deadly consequences of deteriorating coral reefs, improper fisheries management, and inadequate freshwater have all been put on the global agenda.

Mr President, I do have one final concern. Many donors seem content to lump our small island states into one generic category. In the Pacific Region alone you can find low-lying coral atolls, high volcanic islands, desertic climates and lush rainforests. Island states have varying characteristics and must be dealt with individually. Developmental assistance must not be based solely on the static figures of gross domestic product or population. It must also, in fact, be tailored with an eye on the various terrestrial and maritime characteristics that contribute to the uniqueness of each island nation.

Indeed, Mr. President, the decisions are difficult. Thus, I appeal to the donors who have so generously supported the Barbados Programme of Action and plead that all nations proceed with the sense of urgency that our global reality demands today. With the continuing support and encouragement from this great Organization and the donor community, our problems can be overcome.

Thank you Mr. President.