The Global Sustainable Island Summit

The Global Sustainable Island Summit unites island stakeholders to collaboratively address unique challenges and develop tailored sustainable solutions.

Case Studies

The Global Sustainable Island Summit

Islands face a range of challenges unique to the constraints of their own geography. The limited space these communities have to manage results in issues that are not common within larger nations and the mainland – let that be waste management, energy independence, education systems, or climate change, the complexity of islands mean they need to develop solutions that fit their specific needs. This means that the best way to future-proof communities and find the answers to these challenges is collaborate with islands who share them.

The Global Sustainable Island Summit (GSIS) was created to complement Island Innovation’s flagship virtual event the Virtual Island Summit (VIS) by providing an in-person opportunity for island stakeholders to meet, build knowledge, and share expertise on the challenges they face and solutions they are implementing. Held on a different island every year, the three-day event brings together local and international experts from a range of sectors around a common topic.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

To be announced

The Conference

Organized alongside a local partner, the GSIS is a bespoke, intimate conference which draws high-level speakers from around the world’s islands. Outside of major international industry events such as the UNFCCC COPs, the GSIS is one of the only opportunities for stakeholders from academia, civil society, government, and the private sector to meet and discuss island-centric topics. Demand for a small-scale conference encouraging discussion and collaboration towards long-term island sustainability is highlighted by the fact the GSIS has sold out every year.

Each iteration boasts a flexible agenda that can be tailored to fit the needs of each location, theme, and desired audience to keep engagement high and promote impactful networking. Where possible, Island Innovation integrates opportunities for off-site sessions, such as those at the University of Prince Edward Island’s Climate Change Center, as well as facilitating grant funding for students and professionals from SIDS countries to travel and participate in the event. 

Previous Speakers

Prime Minister of Saint Kitts & Nevis

Secretary General, Nordic Council

Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, Government of Grenada

Premier of Prince Edward Island

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Prince Edward Island

Dean of Academics, University of Sint Maarten

Regional Secretary for Sea and Fisheries, Madeira

Professor, University of Madeira

Our Shared Ocean - Program Manager, Irish Marine Institute

CEO, ESRI Portugal

Policy Officer, Associação Natureza Portugal - WWF Portugal

Previous Sponsors

Press

Case Studies

Check out our case studies to learn how we can drive positive results for you too.

Clients in a range of industries within the sustainability ecosystem trust Island Innovation to help them gain visibility, connect with their audiences and generate new business opportunities.

Our Services

Island Innovation

Sustainable economic development consultancy for islands

Island Innovation Services

Sustainable solutions for thriving island economies

We specialize in advancing sustainable economic development strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of island regions worldwide. Our consultancy services help governments, organizations, and communities balance economic growth with environmental resilience and social well-being. Through our extensive island-focused network, strategic partnerships, and innovative approaches, we deliver targeted solutions.

We design and deliver transformative learning experiences that build local capabilities, and unlock economic opportunities through skill development and network building. Our approach emphasizes practical, participatory methodologies that empower stakeholders to drive their own development.
Key Services:
  • Interactive workshop design and facilitation
  • Customized training programs and knowledge transfer initiatives
  • Innovation laboratories and accelerators
  • Stakeholder catalyst events and co-creation sessions
Our consulting services help islands balance economic growth with environmental and climate needs. We support clients from strategy development through implementation, ensuring practical and sustainable outcomes for island communities.
Key Services:
  • Sustainable economic development strategy formulation
  • Access to funding opportunities and grant applications
  • Impact investment opportunity identification and analysis
  • Project implementation support and management
  • Environmental and social impact evaluation
We develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that amplify impact and engage stakeholders. Our approach combines traditional and digital channels to reach diverse audiences effectively, highlighting economic potential and investment opportunities to drive regional prosperity.
Key Services:
  • Communication strategy development
  • Content creation and dissemination
  • Digital platform management
  • Strategic framework development
  • Stakeholder engagement campaigns
  • PR & media relations
We facilitate productive relationships between stakeholders and help navigate complex policy landscapes. Our work supports effective dialogue and collaboration between public and private sectors, including applications to government tenders through consortia.
Key Services:
  • Institutional relationship building
  • Public-private partnership facilitation
  • Media relations management
  • Strategic event planning
  • Government relations support
Working closely with our academic partners, we provide evidence-based insights and recommendations to inform decision-making and policy development for island regions.
Key Services:
  • Diagnostic needs assessments and feasibility studies
  • Baseline evaluations and performance analytics
  • Dashboard development and stakeholder mapping
  • Research synthesis and reporting
  • Evidence-based policy recommendations
We transform gatherings into catalysts for sustainable development through collaboration and inspiration. With extensive expertise in producing, managing, and promoting diverse event formats—including in-person, virtual, and hybrid events—we create memorable experiences that convene key stakeholders.
Key Services:
  • Strategic event design and concept development
  • In-person, virtual, and hybrid event production
  • Speaker and participant curation
  • Stakeholder engagement and audience building
  • Event facilitation and moderation
  • Post-event reporting and impact assessment
  • Event promotion and media coverage coordination

We are a strategic consultancy which offers unique insights into sustainable development for islands

We are pioneers in unlocking the potential of islands worldwide, by offering insights and expertise in sustainable development. Our approach considers the interplay between environmental preservation, economic growth, and social empowerment, tailored specifically for the challenges and opportunities presented by island ecosystems.

We are commited to help:

Platform

Discover the power of our network

We deliver value to our clients through our expertise, experience and unique international perspectives. We can help you and your projects reach a new audience, by helping you to connect with our growing and engaged network. 

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Islands Represented
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Island Governments
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Wondering if Island Innovation is the right agency for your business? Chat with our team to see if there’s a fit!

Island Innovation offers a range of consultancy services, including island development strategies, impact program design and coordination, event organization, strategic communications, public and media relations, and government affairs.

Live from COP28 - Island of Hope
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