The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Mission: Small Island Developing States resilience and sustainability

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are home to 65 million people – and face some of the world’s toughest development challenges.

From rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events, to economic constraints and limited health infrastructure, these island nations are especially vulnerable. Through this mission, we are committed to working closely with SIDS to help strengthen their resilience to environmental and economic challenges, and harness the benefits of a sustainable ocean economy – building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable procurement and growing local capacity.

Together, we’re scaling up actions to help SIDS chart a more secure and prosperous future.

How we support

With deep experience in fragile and climate-vulnerable contexts, we work alongside SIDS to deliver practical, high-impact solutions – addressing urgent needs today while building a more resilient tomorrow.

Delivering resilient infrastructure

We help design and build climate-smart infrastructure – from water and sanitation systems to renewable energy access. These solutions are built to withstand environmental shocks and support long-term community well-being.
Integrating sustainable procurement

By promoting sustainable procurement practices, we help ensure small businesses – including enterprises led by women, people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups – can access opportunities – stimulating local economies and creating more equitable growth. Photo: ©MAF Technologies
Providing trusted project and financial management

We support SIDS with project design, accessing climate finance, and managing project implementation at every stage. Our financial oversight ensures transparency, efficiency and delivers results that matter.
Growing local expertise and innovation

We build local capacity through training, digital tools and knowledge-sharing – helping strengthen public institutions and enabling communities to lead their own sustainable development progress.
Harnessing extensive networks

Strong partnership coordination enables us to foster alliances and gather inputs, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable outcomes that are critical to efficient and effective project delivery.