Summary on “Informal
stock-taking meeting of ECOSOC on the third International Conference on Small
Island Developing States”
According
to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, during the
international Conference in Samoa on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) certain
issues, challenges, and proposals were raised among the states in attendance. The
Conference was centralized around “’the sustainable development of SIDS through
genuine and durable partnerships’ and prioritized Sustainable Economic
Development; Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management; Social Development;
Sustainable Energy; Oceans, Seas and Biodiversity; and War and Sanitation and
Food Security” (Small Island Developing States). This provided opportunity for
private and public advocates to openly discuss plans for expansion in new and
old partnerships. Also, enabling analysis for the new stock taking outcome as
well as planning accountability measures for stake holders. Thus helping the further economic and state
development of Small Islands involved in this conference. Arrangements in which
have and currently are helping to expand and globalize these tiny states.
All of the issues SIDS discussed in the conference were about environmental policy. None of the topics were intrinsically about trade international or even local markets; which I found surprising when you consider how other regional economic conferences like this are focused on ideas like "free markets" and "capital flows". I wonder if these islands are cultural less inclined to accept capitalism or if their geography simply necessitates they focus on environmental issues. After all, what good is trade if your country is below the ocean.
ReplyDeleteI do see your point Noah, I was analyzing more of the idea that this conference was a move towards globalization -- part of the process. In the case of these countries I think that environmental issues are crucial and display how they must be addressed first in order for them to become more a part of the globalized world.
DeleteRiannon, would you say that states coming together to solve problems such as these impedes upon soveriegnty by increasing interdependence or enhances sovereignty by giving each state more pull in a globalized world?
ReplyDeleteProfessor Shirk:
DeleteWhile I think that the goal of each individual state involved in this conference is to increase their "pull" in the global arena, I am skeptical of the degree to which they will succeed due to the prevalence of "...new or expanded SIDS-focused partnerships." Rather than increasing the legitimacy of each individual state in global trade, policy, etc. I think that these partnerships will strip the states of their sovereignty as they develop an expansive system of interdependence.
Professor Shirk and Sarah you both pull up valid points. I think that since these states are geographically much smaller it is necessary for them to come together. This conference and other like these symbolizes a bigger pull in the globalized world. Their force in coming together combines more efficient powers and trade opportunities. With a bigger pull in the globalized world with their combination of forces and resources actually gives them more opportunities to be legitimate and stand out from the developing countries and non-developing countries that "slip through the cracks" in the process of globalization. The unity may be seem as more of legitimizing action, since they intend to hold accountability on stake holders which in turn can be a display of power.
DeleteI believe that the stress on strengthening partnerships during this conference may leans more towards the idea that globalization is a process. Strong partnerships are obviously seen as a good thing and the focus on environmental issues that Noah talked about certainly fits into the soft view of globalization that believes it's task is to "expand consciousness of living together in one planet". In addressing how this conference impacts soverignty, I do believe that it increases interdependence but I do not necessarily view that as a bad thing. Because of the small nature of these islands and their shared common interest, it would be impractical for each island to tackle climate change, water sanitation, and the other top priority things that were on their agenda.
ReplyDeleteGrace, I think you make a really valid point in suggesting that the growing interdependence between these small states is not a bad thing inherently. Given that they are predisposed to similar environmental conditions, it makes sense for these states to come together to draft possible solutions.
DeleteGrace, I agree because I feel that regardless of topics discussed at these conferences bonds will be strengthened and make it so even smaller countries are thinking on a more global perspective. It will be more interesting to see if these conferences amongst smaller nations will continue and expand to larger ideas than just environmental policy as Noah mentioned in his comment.
DeleteGrace I also agree with your argument. It is necessary for these islands to come together as a security measure since of their environmental conditions. Also, the idea of globalization as a process and strong partnerships are important in the success of these smaller nations. In their conditions does it make sense not to band together? Overall, I believe that in their case it is a positive move towards globalization that will help the security and sovereignty.
Delete