In the wake of COVID-19, we must capitalize on the opportunity to reset the economic system and build one that incentivizes sustainable and inclusive economic growth with strong private sector participation. By leveraging the power of the 4IR, renewable energy, innovative financing and resilience mechanisms, ocean’s economy, smart policy for investment facilitation and economic diversification, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can become thriving economies of the future.

On Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, Devex and the World Economic Forum will co-host an online event, Catalyzing a new future: From small islands to great ocean states. Together, we will highlight the steps we must take to move the needle on inclusive economic growth and how to put Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic proved existing systems and resources were woefully ill-prepared and insufficient to protect communities and markets from health, socio-economic and political shocks. The pandemic accelerated the fragility of local systems and underlined the importance of long-term resilience building. Any proposed solutions must include the world’s most vulnerable populations living in low-income and/or conflict-affected contexts.