Alliance of Small Island States AOSIS

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1990 to represent the collective interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the United Nations. Comprising 39 member states, AOSIS serves as the recognized negotiating voice for some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. Together, AOSIS members account for 28% of developing countries and represent 20% of the UN’s membership. The alliance’s core priorities include addressing the urgent threats posed by climate change, promoting sustainable development, and advocating for ocean conservation. Given the existential challenges faced by island nations such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather, AOSIS plays a critical role in shaping global discourse on resilience and environmental justice. This year, the committee’s agenda will revolve around two pressing challenges intensified by the climate crisis: food security and trade relations.

Topic A: Food Security
For many AOSIS nations, food security is a mounting concern. Rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and increasingly erratic weather patterns threaten domestic agriculture, degrade arable land, and disrupt fishing practices. Compounding this issue is the fact that more than half of the food consumed in most AOSIS countries is imported. This leaves populations highly vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and shipping delays. This topic will give delegates the opportunity to explore multifaceted strategies for securing reliable food systems. Discussions may include the development of climate-resilient agriculture, the creation of emergency food reserves, investment in local food production, and regional collaboration to ensure access to essential resources. Delegates will be challenged to balance short-term relief mechanisms with long-term, sustainable solutions that protect livelihoods and promote food sovereignty.

Topic B: Trade Relations
SIDS economies are uniquely reliant on international trade for both the import of vital goods as well as the export of a limited set of products. These economies are often characterized by geographic isolation, narrow resource bases, and high transportation costs, making them particularly susceptible to global shocks. As climate change further disrupts infrastructure and shipping networks, the need for resilient and equitable trade relations becomes more urgent. This topic invites delegates to consider a range of policy responses, from the negotiation of new regional trade agreements and shared infrastructure initiatives to advocacy for climate-adjusted trade terms in global institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). Delegates will also examine how AOSIS can leverage collective bargaining power to promote economic justice, foster regional interdependence, and ensure that trade supports sustainable development goals.

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