Dear Partners and Friends of Small Island Developing States,
We are pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Partnerships Awardswhich recognize outstanding, genuine and durable partnerships advancing sustainable development priorities in SIDS and implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).
In a joint statement marking the launch of the Awards, the Co-Chairs of the Steering Committee on Partnerships for SIDS, H.E. Ms. Janine Coye-Felson, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, and H.E. Mr. Rui Vinhas, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations, called on Governments, UN entities, intergovernmental organizations, major groups and other stakeholders to register or nominate partnerships demonstrating clear and documented impact for SIDS.
The Co-Chairs underscored that the 2026 Awards are being launched at an important moment, as SIDS and their partners advance implementation of ABAS, strengthen the SIDS Partnership Framework and prepare to engage in the 2026 HLPF. Broad participation in the Awards will help showcase partnerships that are translating commitments into concrete results, demonstrate solidarity with SIDS and reinforce the collaboration needed to support their sustainable development.
Established by UN Member States in 2021, the Awards recognize partnerships across the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
Why apply?
The Awards provide an opportunity to:
- showcase your partnership as a good practice;
- gain recognition through the United Nations;
- increase the visibility of your results and impact;
- connect with the wider SIDS partnership community; and
- be considered for recognition during the 2026 Global Multi-Stakeholder SIDS Partnership Dialogue.
Who can apply?
SIDS governments, development partners, UN entities, regional organizations, civil society organizations, private-sector entities, academic institutions and other stakeholders supporting partnerships for sustainable development in SIDS are encouraged to apply.
Introducing the 2026 Judging Panel
The President of the General Assembly has appointed the following members of the 2026 Judging Panel to the SIDS Partnerships Awards:
- Mr. Duarte Valente, Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations (chair of the panel)
- Mr. Kenrick Williams, Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations
- H.E. Ms. Fiona Indu, Permanent Mission Solomon Islands to the United Nations
- Mr. Francisco Mendes, Permanent Mission of Guinea-Bissau to the United Nations
- Ms. Kate Brown, Executive Director, Global Island Partnership
- Mr. Satesh Bidaisee, Professor and Associate Dean, St. George's University in Grenada
The panel also include the following ex-officio members from the UN Secretariat:
- Mr. Sai Navoti, Chief of the SIDS Unit, UN DESA
- Ms. Tishka Francis, Head of SIDS Sub-Programme, UN OHRLLS
The Panel will independently review and assess eligible nominations against the established criteria and agree on the recommended award recipients. Its assessment will consider each partnership’s relevance to SIDS and ABAS implementation, demonstrated results and impact, inclusiveness, governance and accountability, sustainability, innovation, and potential for replication or scaling. The Panel will be supported by the UN Secretariat throughout the review and selection process.
How to apply
Please help us spread the word by sharing this announcement with relevant partners and networks.
Questions?
Contact SIDS Partnerships Awards secretariat: infounpartnershipsawards@un.org
