Introduction 

At the November 2025 COP30 conference, discussions relevant to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) focused on building capacity through finance, debt relief, and climate observation. This was done rather than formally addressing statehood. SIDS participated through the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), but their small delegations and limited negotiating power meant sovereignty concerns were treated as technical or financial issues, not political ones. The outcomes emphasized economic resilience, climate monitoring, and international cooperation. These results show some progress but also highlight gaps between the risks SIDS face and their influence in negotiations. For SPECPOL, this underscores the importance of supporting SIDS. Technical resources, strengthening political representation, and decision-making capacity can safeguard their sovereignty.

COP30 Finance and Capacity-Building Measures Supporting SIDS Sovereignty 

At COP30, world leaders focused on the challenges Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face as climate change puts pressure on their ability to govern. The summit treated sovereignty as a matter of capacity. This means a country can only fully govern if it has the tools, money, and information to do so. One proposed tool is the Systematic Observation Impact Bond, designed to help islands prepare for climate events. Another is the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON), which aims to provide SIDS with up to USD 20 million by 2027 to strengthen climate monitoring, planning, and response.

The summit also discussed sea level rise, referencing the 2026 Sea Level Rise Summit Declaration and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision in the Vanuatu case. The July 2025 ICJ advisory opinion confirmed that countries that contribute to climate change have obligations to curb climate change. The mitigation should not just fall on the countries affected by the issue. Thus, the opinion establishes a pathway for holding high-emitting states accountable for climate harm and potentially paying damages. This confirms SIDS’ legal rights to remain secure, even as oceans rise.

Finance was also a major concern at COP30, since about 70 percent of SIDS have debts exceeding 40 percent of their GDP, which limits their ability to invest in infrastructure and climate resilience. COP30 highlighted the Debt Sustainability Support Service (DSSS) to help SIDS manage their finances and reduce vulnerability. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) called for developed countries to triple climate finance by 2035 and mobilize additional funds to meet the USD 1.3 trillion target in the “Baku to Belém Roadmap.”

SIDS still struggle to get affordable loans because banks see them as “risky.” This means they have to pay much higher interest rates than wealthy countries, making it harder for them to recover from climate damage or invest in their future. On average, this is 7.05 percent interest for SIDS compared to 3.09 percent for G7 countries. While COP30 talks about giving more financial help, it does not clearly explain how or when it will happen. Even if climate funding increases, it is still far less than what developing countries will actually need in the coming years. Overall, the agreement shows compromise instead of urgent action. For SIDS, this means that although there has been some progress, much stronger support is needed to protect their independence, safety, and long-term survival.

Representation of Small Island States During the COP30 Summit 

Limited representation of SIDS at COP30 created real challenges. The conference made some progress on inclusion, like increasing Indigenous participation, but this visibility remained largely symbolic. Large and powerful states continued to shape the final agreements. However, countries facing the highest climate risks remained on the margins.

Influence at the COP meetings depends on the ability to form strong negotiating blocs. Thus, SIDS remain disadvantaged. Wealthier countries dominate how resolutions are written, while small delegations face high travel and accommodation costs. This limits their ability to engage in long negotiations. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) works to amplify SIDS voices. Despite its limited size, AOSIS has shaped key global agreements. Most notably, they secured the 1.5 °C temperature goal under the Paris Agreement. Despite contributing very little to global CO₂ emissions, SIDS face severe risks from sea level rise. Even so, negotiations remain led by major emitters, but AOSIS has stated it would not support decisions that threatened their survival.

COP30 increased the number of seats for SIDS delegations compared to COP27 in 2022. Previously, some Pacific Island states had only two or three negotiators, while larger countries sent more than 200. The increase improved visibility but did not translate into a stronger influence over final decisions. Many resolutions continued to reflect the priorities of major emitters. Fossil fuel interests were particularly dominant. Lobbyists formed the second largest delegation, with about one in every 25 participants. The final legal text removed all direct references to fossil fuels. This occurred despite calls from over 80 countries to address fossil fuels as the main driver of climate change.

For SIDS, this weakened efforts to protect sovereignty and territory. Instead of binding commitments, countries agreed to create a voluntary “roadmap to phase out fossil fuels,” led by Brazil, which will report back at a future summit. Critics called it a “roadmap to a roadmap” that delayed immediate action. Emissions cuts necessary to stay within the 1.5 °C limit were also postponed. Mohamed Adow of Power Shift Africa warned that COP30 delivered only “baby steps” when much stronger action was needed.

For SIDS and AOSIS, limited representation resulted in weaker language, delayed timelines, and greater influence for fossil fuel interests. As a result, COP30 did little to fully protect the sovereignty and long-term survival of the most vulnerable island states.

Conclusion 

At the COP30 conference, SIDS were able to experience an increase in representation. Even though it was a small increase when compared to previous conferences, it was a step forward. However, the resolutions were still largely ruled by high CO2 emitters. Fossil fuel lobbyists had a great influence on the conference, which reflects how SIDS’ efforts are still undermined. However, SIDS were finally able to have a more consistent presence when compared to the previous climate conferences. Those efforts are still not enough to guarantee a voice in the ruling of the resolutions, but they bring more awareness to these issues. They managed to win some battles, but ultimately, decisions were delayed and ineffective. Future decisions will need to make up for the lost time and act decisively in resolving these issues.

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