The COP29 President-Designate, Mukhtar Babayev, and Lead Negotiator, Yalchin Rafiyev, joined global leaders for the 4th International Conference on Small Island Development (SIDS4) in Antigua & Barbuda in late May. SIDS4 brings the international community together to ensure that small island states, particularly vulnerable to climate change, are at the forefront of climate solutions.

The protection of small island states is a priority for the COP29 Presidency, as well as ensuring SIDS have a voice in all climate discussions. It was important to see and hear firsthand the particular challenges faced by small island developing states, and how the international community can support them.

The COP29 team held many productive dialogues and discussions with leaders, governments, and representatives of small island states from around the globe. After successful engagements in Antigua and Barbuda, the COP29 team visited Barbados where they were warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the government of Barbados, and many representatives of NGOs and civil society groups.

A highlight of the trip was a tour of Holetown's coastal protection infrastructure and Six Men’s fishing village to see the effects that beach erosion has on coastal settlements, and understand the challenges faced by local fisheries. There were also crucial insights into addressing water scarcity on small island, and firsthand sightlines into the sustainable management of natural resources in both the marine and terrestrial environment.

The COP29 Presidency will continue to collaborate with the international community to ensure that Small Island Developing States have an important voice at COP29.