Global SustainableIslands Summit 2025
Sustainable Future for Island Communities
The Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025, co-hosted with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, was a series of in-person events dedicated to advancing sustainable development on islands worldwide. Building upon the momentum of the 2024 SIDS4 Conference, the summit addressed pressing challenges confronting island communities, and it focused on Water Sustainability & Energy Nexus, Agricultural Resilience & Climate Adaptation, Climate-Health Interactions and Geothermal Energy.
RELIVE THE SUMMIT
Moments that Inspired Change
Watch the highlights from the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025, where world leaders, innovators, and island communities came together to shape a sustainable future.
Words from Prime Minister Terrance Drew
At the United Nations General Assembly, Saint Kitts & Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew announced the Global Sustainable Islands Summit, in partnership with Island Innovation, held in May 2025
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Meet the Speakers
Learn more about the inspiring leaders, experts, and visionaries who shared their insights at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025.
Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts & Nevis
Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke
Minister of Sustainable Development, St Kitts and Nevis
Hon. Reuben Meade
Premier, Government of Montserrat
H.E. Lady Alida Francis
Governor, Government of St. Eustatius
Hon. Edward David Burt
Premier, Government of Bermuda
Hon. Chris Lee
State Senator, Hawaii
Quincia Gumbs-Marie
Former Member of Parliament, Anguilla
Hon. Cozier Frederick
Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica
Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP
Minister of Public Works and the Environment, Government of Bermuda
Rebecca Fabrizi
UK Envoy, UK's Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Edison Rijna
Special Envoy for the BES islands for EU and UN and Economic Development with Latin America and Caribbean
Leonel Naut
Deputy Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency
Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque
Professor & Associate Dean, Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Prince Edward Island
Paloma Zapata
CEO, Sustainable Travel International
Vanessa Toré
Director of Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Economic Development, Government of Curacao
Lavern Mcfarlane
Senior Economist, Chief Underwriter, CARICOM Development Fund
Ruth Spencer
Chair, Marine Ecosystems Protected Areas (MEPA) Trust
Bianca Peters
Liaison Cabinet Special Envoy for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba to the EU, UN and economic development in Latin-America and the Caribbean
Isaac Solomon
Vice-president of Operations, The Caribbean Development Bank
Dr. Pepukaye Bardouille
Director, Bridgetown Initiative & Special Advisor on Climate Resilience, Prime Minister's Office, Government of Barbados
Dr. James Fletcher
CARICOM Climate Envoy
Dr. Mohammad Rafik Nagdee
Executive Director, The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE)
D'Jamila Ward
Regional Director, Commonwealth Caribbean, Department for Business and Trade, British High Commission
David O'Sullivan
Our Shared Ocean - Program Manager, Irish Marine Institute
CONTENT TRACKS
Driving Sustainability with the Sustainable
Island State Agenda (SISA)
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Saint Kitts and Nevis remained highly susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change. Recognising these challenges, the Government launched the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) as the vehicle to drive a Federation-wide sustainability transition by 2040.
This ambitious initiative comprised of 7 pillars, each of which presented common challenges for many islands. And with this in mind, these pillars served as the foundation for the content tracks for GSIS.
Water Security
Ensured reliable and sustainable water resources.
Energy Transition
Accelerated the shift to clean and renewable energy.
Food Security
Promoted sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Sustainable Industry
Fostered eco-friendly and innovative industries.
Sustainable Settlements
Created resilient and livable communities.
Circular Economy
Minimized waste and maximized resource efficiency.
Social Protection & Health
Prioritized the well-being of citizens.
EVENT AGENDA
Took Action forIsland Sustainability
From water and food security to climate resilience and geothermal energy, islands led the way in sustainable development. Innovative solutions and collaborative strategies for a thriving island future were explored in these important discussions at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025.
VIEW AGENDAGlobal Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 (Main Summit)
May 27-29, 2025 | St. Kitts and Nevis
VIEW AGENDA1st Forum on Access to Climate Finance for Sub-National Island Jurisdictions
May 30th, 2025 | Nevis
VIEW AGENDASPONSORS & PARTNERS
Meet Our Sponsors & Partners
LAST YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS
Looking Back at GSIS2024
Last year, the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2024 brought together brilliant minds and innovative solutions to tackle the unique challenges faced by island nations.
It was a privilege to be a participant at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2024 in Prince Edward Island. The summit was geared towards discussion of other islands challenges & resilience in the face of climatic change and collaboration towards sustainability (Environment, social, and economic) goals.
Oyé O.
What an incredible experience at the Global Sustainable Island Summit! It was energising to connect with industry leaders
Claire Brown BSc
Impressive gathering of experts, academics, NGO's & private sector. Discussion of smart solutions & practical approaches to protecting the environment & seizing the opportunities.
Peter MacKay (@PeterMacKay)
A great inspiration to meet with inspiring people from islands globally - and to give a keynote speech on #sustainability and regional cooperation in the Nordic & Arctic Region - at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit on Prince Edward Island in Canada
Kristina Háfoss @KristinaHafoss
Congratulations to Island Innovation for a remarkable, fruitful, and productive week! This summit was a platform for discussion and a beacon of action and hope, driving us towards a resilient and sustainable future for our islands.
Hon. Kerryne Z James
A truly enriching event, having the chance to listen and interact with experts in different fields with the goal of sustainable development of island states.
Gopiechand Boodhan