"The development needs of small island development states, as articulated by the SDGs, will require massive investment in infrastructure," Ms. Faremo said in her opening address on 21 February, speaking to the vulnerability of these states to the effects of climate change.

"Countries must make use of all available know-how and experience, and draw on project management expertise from outside sources."

The three-day Bahamas Symposium in Nassau brings together national governments, high-level representatives from the UN and civil society to discuss the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in small island developing states. Discussions will focus on building capacity in public institutions and partnerships in order to achieve sustainable development.

"I believe that UNOPS is in many ways sensitive to the special situation of small island developing states. There are a number of issues that we can discuss – from resilient infrastructure design and construction – to procurement leveraging UNOPS expertise in applying economies of scale or rapid deployment in the aftermath of natural disaster," Ms. Faremo continued, highlighting UNOPS experience in Haiti and Honduras.

Read Grete Faremo's full speech here.