Case Studies
What is the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP)?
Established in 1992 as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC), the Conference of the Parties (COP) is a yearly event that serves as the platform for international climate policy. The COP acts as the UNFCCC’s supreme decision-making body. This yearly conference convenes delegates from every nation, as well as leading stakeholders and experts from academia, civil society, and the private sector, to take stock of current policy actions, and determine the next steps in addressing the crisis. COP has become a major event that provides opportunities for activists, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and academics from around the world to share knowledge and work together towards finding sustainable solutions.
The Partner: Climate Action
Established in 2007 and headquartered in London, Climate Action’s mission is to facilitate collaboration to encourage the development, deployment and accelerated uptake of globally sustainable, net zero solutions. Keen to mobilize high-level expert speakers and stakeholders from global islands for its Island of Hope Stage during COP28 in Dubai, Climate Action identified Island Innovation as the organization most capable of delivering its brief, and was named as the official Programme Partner of the event.
The Island of Hope Stage
As the official Programme Partner for the Island of Hope Stage, Island Innovation was trusted to put together an agenda encompassing four full days of panels and discussions relevant to COP as well as sourcing relevant speakers. Leveraging its expertise in event management and programming gained through its own virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, in addition to its extensive network of expert speakers, Island Innovation was able to rapidly organize an engaging, action-packed programme.
With under two months of planning, Island Innovation lead a 5-day agenda featuring:
His Excellency President Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau (R), shakes hands with Island Innovation CEO James Ellsmoor (L) following the opening session of the Island of Hope; Credit: Climate Action
The Honorable Edward David Burt, Premier of Bermuda, addresses attendees at the Island of Hope; Credit: Climate Action
The Honorable Edward David Burt, Premier of Bermuda, and the Honorable Walter Roban, Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy-Premier of Bermuda, engage with the Right Honorable Sir Alok Sharma, COP26 UK President; Credit: Climate Action
The Honorable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, Government of St Kitts & Nevis, speaks at the Island of Hope; Credit: Climate Action
The Right Honorable Dame Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, delivers an opening keynote on Day 5 of the Island of Hope; Credit: Climate Action
The Island of Hope stage welcomed experts and public figures from Small Island States, Sub-National Island Jurisdictions, and climate-vulnerable regions, as well as important entities from the private sector, civil society, and academia developing workable sustainable solutions. This immersive event space catalyzed climate adaptation and resilience through capacity building, problem-solving, and matchmaking, ultimately providing a dedicated space for islands at COP28. During its 5-day run, the Island of Hope stage was a draw for island stakeholders in Dubai, and highlighted the network reach Island Innovation has, in addition to the technical and operational know-how needed to pull off complex international events within a limited turnaround.