Celebrating Small Island Developing States Day at UNESCO

May 7, 2026

Written by Liz Thompson

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was proud to support a special event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris celebrating the International Day for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), an observance that highlights both the challenges and resilience of island nations around the world.

Organized by the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Palau to UNESCO in partnership with the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and the Fondation Jacques Rougerie, the event brought together diplomats, scientists, artists, and advocates to raise awareness about the urgent issues facing SIDS countries, particularly the impacts of sea-level rise.

Held on April 29 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the event featured a photo exhibition and presentations centered around the theme “Palau: Ocean Insights for the Architecture of Tomorrow.” His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, attended the event, along with representatives from UNESCO, including the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany.

The Foundation was honored to be invited to participate by Dr. Sania El Kadi, Acting Ambassador to the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Palau to UNESCO.

As part of the exhibition, the Foundation shared photographs captured by International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) photographer Keith Ellenbogen during the Global Reef Expedition mission to Palau. The images showcased Palau’s vibrant coral reefs and marine life, highlighting the beauty and ecological importance of these ocean ecosystems while underscoring what is at risk as climate change threatens island nations worldwide.

The Fondation Jacques Rougerie also contributed to the discussion by exploring how architecture and innovative design can help coastal communities adapt to rising seas and changing environmental conditions.

The International Day for Small Island Developing States was proclaimed by UNESCO to recognize the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of island nations. Observed annually on April 25, the day promotes global solidarity and draws attention to issues such as climate resilience, ocean sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and cultural heritage. Small island developing states are often among the first and most severely impacted by sea-level rise, stronger storms, and other effects of climate change, despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

At the same time, SIDS nations continue to lead through innovation, stewardship, and resilience, serving as important voices in global conversations about ocean conservation and sustainable development.

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was thrilled to contribute our photographs to this meaningful event and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Republic of Palau, UNESCO, Fondation Jacques Rougerie, and all of the partners involved in celebrating and supporting Small Island Developing States.

Photos from the Event

Explore a gallery of photographs from the Small Island Developing States Day event at UNESCO Headquarters. All images of this event are courtesy of Fondation Jacques Rougerie. Photo credit: Lorenzo Specty.

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Photos from the Event

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