About Us
Since 1990, AOSIS has represent the interests of the 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states in international climate change, sustainable development negotiations and processes. As a voice for the vulnerable, its mandate is more than amplifying marginalized voices as it also advocates for these countries’ interests. In terms of size, AOSIS closely resembles the countries it represents on the global stage, but often punches far above its weight, negotiating historic global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, among other achievements.
HE Ilana V. Seid
Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations; AOSIS Chair (2025-2026)
H.E. Ms. Ilana Victorya Seid currently serves as the Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations, a position she has held since 2021. She is also the Sherpa Co-Chair of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. In addition to her role at the UN, Ms. Seid has been the Non-Resident Ambassador of Palau to Israel since 2022. She also previously co-chaired the Steering Committee of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.
Ms. Seid's diverse professional background includes founding and leading Sunday-Morning.com, a New York-based venture. Prior to this, she worked in investment banking with Nomura Securities and Lehman Brothers, holding various positions in New York, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. She also gained experience as a software engineer and tech project manager at Assembled Brands.
In 2005, Ms. Seid was an intern at Palau’s Permanent Mission in New York, an early step in her distinguished diplomatic career. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University.
Ms. Seid's diverse professional background includes founding and leading Sunday-Morning.com, a New York-based venture. Prior to this, she worked in investment banking with Nomura Securities and Lehman Brothers, holding various positions in New York, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. She also gained experience as a software engineer and tech project manager at Assembled Brands.
In 2005, Ms. Seid was an intern at Palau’s Permanent Mission in New York, an early step in her distinguished diplomatic career. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University.
Previous Chairs of AOSIS
HE Fatumanava Pa'olelei Luteru
Samoa (2023-2024)
HE Walton Webson
Antigua & Barbuda (2021-2022)
HE Lois Young
Belize (2019-2020)
HE Ali Naseer Mohamed
Maldives (2017-2018)
HE Ahmed Sareer
Maldives (2015-2017)
HE Marlene Moses
Nauru (2012-2014)
HE Dessima Williams
Grenada (2009-2011)
HE Angus Friday
Grenada (2006-2009)
HR Julian Hunte
St. Lucia (2006)
HE Enele Sopoaga
Tuvalu (2005-2006)
HE Jagdish Koonjul
Mauritius (2002-2005)
HE Tuiloma Neroni Slade
Samoa (1997-2002)
HE Annette Des Iles
Trinidad & Tobago (1995-1997)
HE Robert Van Lierop
Vanuatu (1991-1994)