Small Island Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are vibrant centres of cultural diversity, ocean stewardship, and innovation. Spread across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Seas (AIS), the Caribbean, and the Pacific, they safeguard vast marine territories and knowledge systems that shape global climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development goals. Yet SIDS face some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and water insecurity to economic shocks and natural hazards, placing them on the frontline for priority global resilience efforts.
For more than 30 years, UNESCO has worked alongside SIDS to advance education, protect heritage, strengthen science, and support inclusive and resilient societies. Building on this long-standing partnership, the2023–2029 Operational Strategy for SIDS for SIDS brings all of UNESCO’s sectors together under a unified, intersectoral framework. Through six Accelerator Programmes, UNESCO mobilizes expertise, partnerships and innovation to help SIDS shape a resilient, environmentally sustainable, and culturally rich future.
UNESCO and SIDS
UNESCO recognizes 39 SIDS among its Member States. Additionally, UNESCO recognizes 9 SIDS as Associate Members – territories or group of territories whose international relations are managed by another State or authority.
SIDS are grouped across three geographical regions, each diverse in culture, environment, and development pathways, yet united by shared aspirations for resilience and sustainable development.
Keys facts
across the AIS, Caribbean, and Pacific regions
representing about 19% of the global Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)
and 38 UNESCO World Heritage sites in 24 SIDS (up to January 2026).
compared to 0.3 % elsewhere
