In the resolution A/RES/74/217, the General Assembly expressed concern that “many SIDS have not achieved sustained high levels of economic growth, owing in part to their vulnerabilities to the ongoing negative impacts of environmental challenges and external economic and financial shocks”. 

It therefore called for the integration of economic, social, and environmental aspects and the recognition of their interconnections at all levels to advance sustainable development.

In alignment with these goals, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) emphasizes the importance of productive capacities in advancing sustainable development, as highlighted in paragraphs 7, 21, 23, and 25. ABAS recognizes the need for capacity building to strengthen data governance and management, including in measuring and benchmarking productive capacities. It also calls for the implementation of Holistic Productive Capacities Development Programmes (HPCDPs) and the conduct of National Productive Capacities Gap Assessments (NPCGAs) (see para 21).

This project responds to these calls, by strengthening and greening productive capacities in SIDS through a novel approach to just transition, specifically thought through for SIDS. The project will be implemented by UNCTAD in collaboration with UNDESA, ECLAC and RCOs. In addition to fostering new productive capacities, this approach acknowledges the need for reorienting the balance between mitigation and adaptation, expanding adaptation strategies in key service sectors and scaling up to regional and global levels.

The project aligns with UNCTAD’s Strategy to support SIDS, particularly pillar 6.1, which focuses on identifying and addressing gaps in productive capacities, fostering economic diversification, and enhancing resilience. It promotes holistic policy programs, capacity-building for key stakeholders, and improved statistical data collection.

Objective of the Project

To strengthen and green productive capacities in selected Caribbean SIDS, with the goal of boosting just transitions that align with the unique needs of SIDS and advancing economic transformation.

Activities

The project will be structured around four main activities, drawing on the longstanding and successful experience that UNCTAD’s Division on Africa, LDCs and Special programmes (ALDC) has developed in implementing programmes on building productive capacities in developing countries:

1. Strengthen SIDS’ statistical capacity for improving data collection on and measurement of productive capacities and related vulnerabilities with an emphasis on effects of climate change, gender and finance.
2. Develop National Productive Capacities Gap Assessments (NPCGAs) by applying Productive Capacities Index (PCI) to identify gaps, limitations and challenges to build and green productive capacities, structural transformation and economic diversification.
3. Formulate Holistic Productive Capacities Development Programmes (HPCDPs), which are holistic, economy-wide and long-term roadmaps to address the gaps and facilitate the development of critical economic sectors based on comparative advantages and pave the way for SIDS-compatible “just transitiosn”.
4. Train policymakers, national technical experts, private sector entities, academia and civil society stakeholders in addressing gaps in productive capacities and facilitating structural transformation, economic diversification and just transitions.

Intended Outcomes

• Strengthened National Statistical Capacity: Governments will have improved tools and expertise to measure and analyze productive capacities using UNCTAD’s updated Productive Capacities Index (PCI).
• Enhanced Capacity for Policy Development: Government officials and stakeholders will be better equipped to identify gaps, limitations, and challenges in building productive capacities and advancing structural transformation and economic diversification.
• Development of Holistic National Programs: Government officials will receive support to design and implement national programs aimed at enhancing productive capacities and unlocking opportunities for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.

Link to the SDGs

Most relevant SDG: 8 “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”

SDG Targets: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 9.2, 9.3, 13.b, 17.1, 17.9, 17.14 and 17.19

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