Curaçao’s Pledge to Sustainable Development: A Roadmap for Transformation
In June 2018, Curaçao welcomed a United Nations mission comprising representatives from UNDP, ILO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and ECLAC. This mission, initiated at the behest of the Curaçaoan government, marked the inception of a partnership between the island and the global community. Its goal: to provide guidance and support for Curaçao’s journey towards the realization of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Education as a Tool for Future-Proofing Islands’ Socio-Economic Fabric
Job markets are often less deep and varied on islands, this can in turn lead to increased unemployment, brain drain, and the subsequent breakdown of local economies. This is the reality that is faced by islanders, which makes it all the more important to future-proof a community’s socio-economic health by making education more resilient and fit-for-purpose.
Participating in #VIS2023, the Edge Foundation, with Executive Director, Olly Newton, which has supported our global event since 2018, delivered a panel titled: “Future Skills – Preparing Young People for Work in an Island Context” – providing a global perspective on island-based education.
Following the Kolektivo Conference at the beginning of the month, the Island Innovation team stayed in Curaçao for an important step: a leadership retreat. The leadership team spent their week immersed in strategic discussions, brainstorming sessions, and team bonding activities, all while learning more about the history, culture and sustainability projects of Curaçao.
Up Next? Aruba and Sint Maarten!
On Tuesday, Island Innovation CEO James Ellsmoor had to opportunity to facilitate a workshop on “Islandness at the Intersection of Academic Research and Policymaking.” at the Second International Conference on Small Island States and Subnational Island Jurisdictions, in Aruba.
He delved into the critical issues facing island communities and explored how academic research can inform effective policy making with guest panelists:
- Filipe M. Porteiro, Vice Director at OKEANOS Institute for Marine Sciences, University of the Azores
- Andrew Halliday, Director, Policy and Planning, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Prince Edward Island
- Francielle Lacle, Lecturer & PhD candidate, University of Aruba
- Gayle Arendsz, Policy Advisor, Sustainable Development Planning, Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry of Aruba
Tomorrow, James will be flying to Sint Maarten for the St. Maarten Innovation, Initiatives & Industries Link-up Event (SMILE) in which he will be a keynote speaker on “Unleashing the Island Innovators: Unlocking the Potential for Islands to be Global Leaders in Sustainability”.
A special thanks to the event organisers in Aruba and Sint Maarten for inviting us: The University of Aruba & The University of Prince Edward Islands, Canada. SMILE Sint Maarten (St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), 360° of Innovation, and Antonio Media B.V.). Stay tuned on our platforms to know more!
COP28 is a critical moment in global transformative climate action. We will create an “E-Pavilion” where we will share key insights and developments related to remote, rural and island communities. We want to ensure that your communities are represented and that relevant information is made available to you.
