Thank you for following the Island Voices @ COP29
We kindly ask you for your feedback
If you missed any of the bulletins, you can still read them on our website
COP29: Final Negotiations
As COP29 winds down, the global summit is currently marked by significant divisions and a lack of substantial progress on critical issues. Despite intense negotiations, the summit hasn’t yet delivered a comprehensive and ambitious agreement to address the climate crisis.
A key point of contention was the issue of climate finance. While the document released by the UN yesterday hinted at a new, trillion-dollar global finance goal, the specifics remained elusive. This lack of clarity and commitment from wealthy nations to provide adequate funding to developing countries has been a persistent challenge. As Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, the Samoan chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), aptly stated, “The time for political games is over.”
Furthermore, the summit’s inability to uphold the pledge to transition away from fossil fuels is deeply concerning. This underscores the significant gap between rhetoric and action, and raises doubts about the global community’s willingness to prioritise climate ambition.
While the summit’s outcome is disheartening, it is not a cause for despair. The growing global movement for climate justice, the greater cooperation and the increasing awareness of the climate crisis offer hope for a more sustainable future. By working together, we can continue to make sure island nations and vulnerable communities increasingly thrive.
Next year's COP30 will be in Brazil
The following policy brief highlights the urgent issue of rising sea levels and its devastating impact on vulnerable nations like Tuvalu and coastal regions of Brazil. As the world already prepares for COP30 in Brazil next year, this issue should be a top priority. By taking a leadership role, Brazil can help address the challenges faced by nations like Tuvalu and its own coastal communities. This could involve supporting adaptation measures, advocating for increased climate finance, and promoting innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.
Watch or Re-watch our virtual side events
Missed a virtual session? The COP29 recordings are available on all our platforms
Yesterday, James Ellsmoor (CEO of Island Innovation) spoke in a session organised by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), the National Ocean Technology Center (NOTC), the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) of the People’s Republic of China, China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF), Blue Praxis (Australia), the First Institute of Oceanography, and UNESCO/IOC Sub Commission for the Western Pacific.
Panellists explored the synergy between Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and the Blue Economy by showcasing innovative pathways, methods, and technologies for integrating MSP, and highlighted a pilot project on Malake and Ovalau islands (Fiji islands), offering insights into sustainable development and climate adaptation in marine environments.
The Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders gathered in-person, one last time, in a panel to discuss youth-led solutions for building resilience in fragile contexts and their adaptability to regions facing similar climate risks. In their session moderated by Island Innovation’s Project Manager Arianna Abdul-Nour, Genesis Whitlock, Whitney Melinard, Noelle Young and Jeshua Bardoo emphasised the continuous need for cross-border collaboration in regions such as the Caribbean.


We had the wonderful opportunity to receive 2 inspiring Climate Leaders: The Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke (Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, Government of St. Kitts and Nevis) and the Hon. Kerryne James (Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, Government of Grenada) sharing their powerful insights in the Climate, Peace & Transboundary Pavilion.
Minister Clarke and Minister James shared their perspectives on effective leadership, and examined the intersection of climate action and justice, with a particular focus on how these elements drive meaningful change in vulnerable regions. We thank them both for their contribution!
More COP29 Photos
The team met with Leyla Hasanova, the Youth Climate Champion for COP29, and attended plenary sessions.
Not-to-be missed: COP29 Reflections and Takeaways
- December 4th 2024
- 09:00 EDT (New York) | 14:00 GMT (London) 01:00 AEDT (Sydney | Next Day)
- Online Event
Don't miss the next Island Innovation in-person event!
In-person event: The Global Sustainable Islands Summit has been officially announced! Island Innovation and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis will be co-hosting the 2nd edition of the in-person event in May 2025 in Saint Kitts and Nevis (Caribbean).
We will be gathering renowned professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address pressing challenges confronting island communities, focusing on Water Sustainability & Energy Nexus, Agricultural Resilience & Climate Adaptation and Climate-Health Interactions & Geothermal Energy.
Use the exclusive code “COP29” to get a discount (-$75) on your extra-early bird ticket, valid until the end of COP29 (November 30th)!
News And Key Insights
Today's island events at COP29
The Island Voices @ COP29 is also a platform to share information about island-related events during COP29. Here are some of today’s island related events:
22 November, 10:00-10:45 AM (Baku)
Location: Commonwealth Pavilion
Org: Global Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative (GECCI)
Green Jobs Futures: Women Leading the Way
22 November, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM (Baku)
Location: UNDP Pavilion
Org: UNDP
Mainstream Climate Information in African Subregions
22 November, 2:00-4:00 PM (Baku)
Location: CARICOM Pavilion
Org: OACPS, WMO, European Commission’s JRC, and more.
If you have relevant COP29 updates or announcements, please contact us via [email protected], and we’ll be happy to share them (keeping in mind we have to limit promotional content).
Thank you to our Partners


The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. (NBD) is the premier financial institution in Dominica, with XCD 1.67 billion (USD 614.7 million) in assets as of June 30, 2022. Our unwavering commitment is to empower individuals, organizations, and communities to achieve their financial goals.
Operating since 1978, NBD has been a trusted financial partner for 45 years, offering an array of financial products and services to cater to the unique needs of consumers, small businesses, and corporate clients, locally, regionally and globally. Our reach extends through our four branches, a wide network of ATMs, our user-friendly online platform (nbdominica.com), and convenient mobile banking services.
At NBD, our strength lies in our team of dedicated employees, numbering 178 strong, each committed to delivering top-notch service and expertise to our valued customers. We are proud to lead in every core business sector among banks in our local market.
NBD’s dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen has not gone unnoticed. We have earned accolades from our regulator, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), for our exemplary commitment to supporting communities and driving economic and social progress throughout Dominica. We are not just a bank; we are a catalyst for positive change and prosperity.
As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to facilitate success, foster prosperity, and continue our legacy of excellence in banking.


The Open Society Foundations champions the search for bold, democratic solutions to our urgent, common challenges that advance justice, equity, and human dignity.
We do this by supporting a wide array of independent voices and organizations around the world that provide a creative and dynamic link between the governing and the governed.
Our approach seeks to counter the narrow pursuit of political self-interest and short-term opportunism—in pursuit of a sustainable future for people and planet that leaves no one behind.

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. Officially opened in August 2005, the Centre is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean.
It is a repository and clearing house for regional climate change information and data and provides climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States through the CARICOM Secretariat. In this role, the Centre is recognised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and other international agencies as the focal point for climate change issues in the Caribbean. It has also been recognised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) as a Centre of Excellence, one of an elite few. This reputation is a major honour for the Centre, and it should be a great source of pride for the people of the Caribbean as well.


Climate change is not happening in isolation, and it does not respect boundaries. To build resilience and adapt to climate impacts, we need to better understand how climate change interacts with issues such as conflict, and how decisions made in one sector or country can have knock-on impacts on others. Located in the Blue Zone at COP29, the Climate, Peace and Transboundary Resilience Pavilion focuses on how to build resilience in a world of complex, interconnected threats. Its focus areas include: scaling up climate finance action for some of the world’s most vulnerable contexts, including fragile and conflict-affected countries and small islands: managing interconnecting threats and transboundary climate risks; and breaking down siloes between countries and across sectors to build meaningful climate resilience.


ODI is an independent, global think tank. We work to inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. Through research, convening and influencing, we generate ideas that matter for people and planet.
We lead thinking and agendas to deliver transformational change and bring about a global sense of resilient, just and equitable prosperity.
We deliver high-quality, internationally recognised research that informs policy design and convenes leadership across the global challenges identified above. We are a free thinking, inclusive and trusted think tank with a global footprint.


Peace Boat US works to build a culture of peace and sustainability around the world by connecting people across borders and creating opportunities for learning, activism and cooperation. We achieve this through programs in which people from the US and around the world participate in voyages onboard the Peace Boat, our Japan-based partner organization and one of the most unique and creative peace-building initiatives in the world.
Programs combine learning, activism, advocacy, and travel, enabling participants to learn first-hand about global issues such as war, environmental degradation, gender violence, and other issues. Participants experience grassroots peace-building efforts to find non-violent, creative, and constructive solutions, from local communities to global advocacy networks.


The Institute of Island Studies is a research, education, and public policy institute based at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The work of the Institute focuses on the culture, environment, and economy of small islands, with an emphasis on Prince Edward Island.
The Island Studies constellation at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada, consists of the following:
- Institute of Island Studies: a research, education, and public policy institute that focuses on the culture, environment, and economy of small islands
- Master of Arts in Island Studies Program: an interdisciplinary and policy-driven graduate program that critiques islands on their own terms
UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability: a research chair currently held by UPEI anthropologist Dr. Jean Mitchell
Island Studies Press: a book publisher whose publications focus on producing Island Studies scholarly material for a popular audience


At COP29, Extreme Hangout is pushing boundaries by creating a dynamic space for youth-led climate action. From November 11th to 22nd in the Green Zone, Extreme Hangout will host workshops and sessions addressing the unique climate challenges of the region, such as water scarcity and renewable energy innovations. The key themes explored include nature and biodiversity, protecting our blue heart, redefining wealth, power to the people, innovative minds, and sustainable futures, moving with purpose, from seed to sustainability, travelling lightly, changing the narrative, and embracing our shared humanity.
By fostering collaboration with new partners and speakers, Extreme Hangout is committed to empowering young changemakers to drive real, lasting solutions and shape the global climate agenda.


We’re an international non-profit founded in 2003, with offices in London, New York, New Delhi, Amsterdam and Beijing.
In that time, we’ve grown our network to include over 500 multinational businesses in 175 markets worldwide.
We also work closely with governments at all levels. The Under2 Coalition, for which we are the Secretariat, is made up of 167 state and regional governments and has been named one of the international cooperative initiatives with the highest potential for emissions reductions.


Blue Planet Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2020 by visionary entrepreneur and leading climate change advocate Henk Rogers. With support from partner organizations around the globe, the mission of Blue Planet Alliance is to get islands and countries around the world to legislatively mandate a commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2045. It is also working with governments, businesses, and individuals to help grow a global movement aimed at reducing the negative impact on the planet, thus aligning human behavior more in harmony with nature. For more information, visit blueplanetalliance.org/


Cari-Bois is a Caribbean-wide community that brings together communities, academic, scientists, and journalists, to further educate the region about present-day environmental issues which affect the wellbeing of the region’s natural resources and livelihoods.


Climate Tracker (CT) is an international non-profit organization, aiming to support, train and incentivise better climate journalism globally. We believe in the power of journalism, but recognise that many young journalists don’t have the training, resources or support to identify and tell the climate stories they want to. We also recognise that this challenge is often greatest in the countries hardest hit by climate change. Our mission is to support, train and incentivise young journalists in developing countries to tell better climate stories. By 2023, we aim to create a regionally diversified network that provides the best opportunities, training and support for early career climate journalists across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. To do this, we focus on provide training and fellowships for young journalists around the world to tell better climate stories locally, conduct action-oriented media research to better understand the biggest challenges, trends, and obstacles to powerful climate reporting around the world, fund young journalists to report on the world’s most pressing issues and cover the world’s biggest moments, UN negotiations and conferences, and support global collaborations between young climate journalists, newsrooms and NGOs around the world.


The Accelerator is an entrepreneurial engine that catalyzes and accelerates priority initiatives toward a Climate-Smart Zone, delivering resilience, social development, and broad-based economic growth for the Caribbean.
Our central objective is to help transform the region’s economy by fast-tracking sound public and private investment opportunities that support climate action and economic growth through sustainable development.
Drawing on the deep experience of our nations and institutions, a group of twenty-seven visionary Caribbean Governments, alongside some of the largest global companies, financial institutions, and foundations have joined The Accelerator to make the Caribbean a beacon of climate-smart development.
Register for Island Voices @ COP29
Keep following our daily bulletins for insights and decisions made during the conference
#IslandVoicesCOP29 #IslandInnovation