The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SAMOA Pathway recognized the specific challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and their particular vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The 2030 Agenda pledges to "Leave No One Behind" and calls for special attention to SIDS as they face unique vulnerabilities in their sustainable development. Several countries among SIDS have started to implement the SDGs by adapting the targets to their national situation and reviewing their policies and institutional frameworks. Meaningful partnerships are also being established among stakeholders at all levels to leverage on opportunities for the effective implementation of the SDGs.

The Government of the Bahamas, with the support of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, will organize a Symposium in February 2016 on “Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SAMOA Pathway in Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Equipping public institutions and mobilizing partnerships”.

The Symposium will reflect on how SIDS can integrate the 2030 Agenda and the SAMOA Pathway in national planning, policies, strategies and public institutions. The Symposium will place a special focus on how best to equip public institutions and mobilize partnerships and cooperation for realizing the 2030 Agenda and will discuss options and innovative solutions for planning and policy making.