St. John¡¯s, Antigua and Barbuda
Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Distinguished Guests,
It is my pleasure to be here with you to discuss application of the multidimensional vulnerability index to improve resource allocation for SIDS.
Today¡¯s side event is very timely.
Full implementation of the ABAS will require that the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS be adequately accounted for in global financing and other considerations. The MVI has great potential to support this need.
Member States have just started negotiations in New York on a resolution that will determine the future of the MVI within the United Nations and possibly beyond.
Our discussions today can help provide additional insights for consideration by Member States both in Capital and in New York.
The OECD paper that informs this session is an important addition to the growing body of literature demonstrating the usefulness of the MVI.
It shows how the MVI can provide better intelligence on the specific source of a country¡¯s vulnerabilities, irrespective of a country¡¯s income levels.
The MVI framework, in particular the Vulnerability and Country Resilience profiles, could enable countries to track and measure outcomes and impacts and to invest in effective practices.
If effectively applied, this could support improved policies, programmes, budgets, operational, and management decisions and the way national institutions do business.
Excellencies,
Allow me to conclude by stressing the urgent need to address the data challenges facing SIDS and other developing countries. Solutions must be put in place to urgently assist SIDS and other developing countries to close the data gaps.
Better development data would make a greatly positive impact on policy making. Not only would more and better data ensure that the MVI could be effectively leveraged, but it would support the monitoring and evaluation of SIDS development progress.
I look forward to today¡¯s discussions.
I thank you.