UN General Assembly
2011

centre of gravity shifts eastward and creates new opportunities, we must ensure that those formidable global challenges do not create economic insecurity for those who feel left behind and that they do not lead to other threats to international security. It is imperative that we manage these transformations judiciously and with pragmatism. In that context, I must stress the particular economic vulnerabilities of small island developing States (SIDS). The economies of SIDS remain highly volatile because of their open economies, small economic size, narrow resource base, disadvantages in economies of scale, high export concentration, dependency on imports and high vulnerability to energy- and food- price shocks. We reiterate that SIDS need to be granted preferential treatment as part of a global strategy to ensure economic security. Regrettably, SIDS have been denied the formal recognition of their specific vulnerabilities that would entitle them to special consideration. My delegation fully supports the implementation of the Barbados Plan of Action and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.