From left to right: Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda alongside Sergio Fernández de Córdova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation
The creation of the Center of Excellence and Global Data Hub for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took a big step forward on November 8th, with the signing of a Partnership Framework Agreement between the Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation. This marked the initiation of the journey towards establishing an innovative Center of Excellence and Global Data Hub for SIDS, geared to propel small island developing states into a future marked by resilient prosperity, and sustainable development.
PVBLIC Foundation’s executive leadership team was in Antigua and Barbuda for the signing and high-level meetings in preparation for the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
Ambassador Aubrey Webson, Antigua & Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Simona Marinescu, UNOPS Senior Advisor to Small Island Developing States; Kerry Bannigan, President of PVBLIC’s Board of Directors; and Stephen Keppel, President of PVBLIC Foundation were on hand to witness the signing and actively begin preparations for the Center of Excellence and the Global Data Hub for SIDS, which will enable small island developing states to enhance decision-making and strengthen the quality of public, and private interaction using the value of geospatial data as an asset class at the core of their sustainable development.
The 4th International Conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) will take place on May 27-30th 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda under the theme Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity. SIDS4 will adopt the next 10-year Programme of Action (2024-2034) succeeding the SAMOA Pathway (2014-2024) and focus on activating solutions for a sustainable and safe future for SIDS.
The SIDS Center of Excellence will have a physical location in St. John’s, Antigua, and it will serve as a center for innovation, knowledge sharing and training for Antigua and Barbuda and all SIDS. It is the goal of the program to ensure that all SIDS will over time have the necessary infrastructure, knowledge and capacity to effectively and efficiently harness the benefits of data and technology, and with a people-centric approach.
The Center of Excellence will host an innovation and technology mechanism that will support all SIDS to improve the quality and effectiveness of public governance with data as an asset class and its human rights implications and with the proper implementation of technology and technology transfer across markets. A Technology Mechanism will help SIDS build the science, technology, policy and innovation capacity that they need to promote the structural transformation of their economies, eradicate poverty, and foster sustainable development.
Forming part of the SIDS Center of Excellence, the Global Data Hub for SIDS will act as a data, mapping and communication resource for the benefit of all SIDS. SDG Data Hubs allow governments to visualize their data, monitor public investments, identify critical interlinkages, track progress on the SDGs, and make better and more informed decisions towards investing in sustainable social and economic growth.
The central objective of the Global Data Hub for SIDS is to enhance decision-making and strengthen the quality of public, and private interaction using the value of geospatial data as an asset class at the core of all development. This in turn will help to make more informed decisions on resource allocation and help attract international finance and partnership programs in support of SIDS.
Tracking and reporting on the SDGs will help guide resource allocation and clarify where key issues and priorities remain and/or should be targeted. Data Hubs also allow the opportunity to engage and communicate with community stakeholders and promote citizen participation. Antigua and Barbuda will be able to leverage the expertise of PVBLIC via its global SDG Data Alliance program which currently assists such centers' development and work program structures globally. The goal is to build open, community-driven, multi-stakeholder partnerships across all SIDS that will leverage the power of the private sector, foundations, UN organizations, and local and national governments.
PVBLIC Foundation will promote and support Antigua and Barbuda in the run up to SIDS4 and throughout the long term development of the Center of Excellence and the Global Data Hub for SIDS.
Financial, technical, and strategic support will be activated via two of PVBLIC’s programs: the SDG Data Alliance and Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD). The Global Data Hub for SIDS will take advantage of existing data and platform templates built by the SDG Data Alliance, including resources and support across technology, personnel, advisory services, and finance. PVBLIC will activate its FOSD network to bring insights, innovations, and capital resources to support SIDS4 and the Global Data Hub for SIDS.
PVBLIC Foundation and Antigua & Barbuda are ready to redefine the future of SIDS, charting a course toward resilience, prosperity, and sustainable development. This partnership signals a commitment to collective progress, innovation, and a brighter future for all Small Island Developing States.
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