Overview:
Palau marked a historic milestone at the United Nations in New York by hosting the inaugural celebration of the International Day for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The event brought together global leaders, diplomats and partners to honor the resilience, culture and unity of island nations while strengthening international cooperation through the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
NEW YORK | Following the 2025 UNESCO General Conference proclamation of April 25 as the International Day for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Palau—as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), with its partners – Kyrgyz Republic and PVBLIC Foundation– hosted the inaugural celebration on Friday, April 24. Held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the event convened senior level officials, Ambassadors, delegates, partners and representatives from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to commemorate the first annual observance.
The International Day for SIDS honors the 1994 Barbados Global Conference on the Sustainable Development for SIDS, where the global community first recognized the “special case” of SIDS within the United Nations system.
The evening hosted by the Republic of Palau, as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) which is a group of 39 SIDS members, and its partners – Kyrgyz Republic and PVBLIC Foundation – commenced with the resonant, traditional sounding of a conch shell by Selema Navoti, Pacific SIDS Coordinator with the Permanent Mission of Fiji in New York, to call the gathering to order, followed by welcoming remarks from H.E. Ambassador Ilana V. Seid, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Palau to the United Nations, and then by special remarks by H.E. Mr. Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development of Palau, and H.E. Mrs. Aida Kasymalieva, Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations.
H.E. Mr. Tmetuchl captured the spirit of the evening, stating: “We are telling the stories of our beautiful countries. Not as one of vulnerability but of possibilities. Tonight’s gathering is not only about policies and programs, it is also about people, about exchange, and about understanding. When we understand one another more deeply, we act together more meaningfully.”
“As Palau leads AOSIS, which is a vital negotiating bloc within the United Nations, this gathering provided a key opportunity to reinforce the bond of our Alliance and showcase our commitment to international unity and cooperation,” says Ambassador Seid. “Among the diverse cultural presentations, it was a point of great pride to witness the Belias dancers perform our traditional dances on stage. We extend our gratitude to Governor Norman Ngiratecheboet, First Lady Damiana Ngiratecheboet, and Dirradai Uai Skebong for making this a truly memorable experience for all in attendance.”
The celebration offered a rare and vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and flavors from across the SIDS regions. The Palau Belias dancers delivered a powerful traditional performance, followed by Mr. Earl Brooks Jr. of Trinidad and Tobago, who energized the crowd with the rhythmic sounds of the steelpan, a musical style and instrument from the Caribbean. Attendees were then invited to a curated assortment of unique flavors and desserts of all three regions. Surrounded by artistic displays, including live modeling of Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival Mas costume, cultural artifacts, and culinary traditions, the evening served as a vivid tribute to diversity and the profound importance of global unity.
As the first official celebration, this international observance symbolizes the solidarity and rich cultures of SIDS and calls for continued partnership and collaboration from members of the broader international community.