Overview

SMALL ISLANDS – BIG POTENTIAL

Though Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contribute less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, they face the most severe impacts of climate change — made worse by economic vulnerability and limited institutional capacity. 

In response, the OPEC Fund is ramping up its support for this distinct group of countries. The first SIDS Summit at the OPEC Fund’s Headquarters on May 12 and 13, 2025, will mark a milestone with the launch of a dedicated Island Resilience Facility. Going beyond traditional financing, this new tool delivers strategic and tailored solutions to enhance climate resilience across these countries. 

The facility is embedded in a new SIDS Strategy (2025-2027) that accounts for the special characteristics of these countries and offers attractive financing for development projects. 
Designed to turn ideas into action the SIDS Summit will provide hands-on advisory services — from first concept to final roll out — serving as a catalyst for project development. Convening high-level government representatives as well as technical experts from relevant institutions, from the remote Pacific to the Caribbean and Indian Ocean, the conference will be a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building.

SIDS are a group of countries that face unique vulnerabilities, including remote geography, climate change and loss of biodiversity. To date, the OPEC Fund has supported SIDS in the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean with more than US$2 billion in development projects. The SIDS Summit aims to amplify voices and investments to shore up the future of small island nations worldwide. 

The OPEC Fund and SIDS Brochure