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.
Madeira, Portugal
Prince Edward Island, Canada
- GSIS 2025: TBA
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

Kristina Háfoss
Engaging in a diverse educational journey, Kristina has acquired a Certificate of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Business School, an MSc in Politics from the University of Copenhagen focusing on Economics, and a Master of Laws also from the University of Copenhagen in Law. This academic foundation solidified her expertise in various fields. Transitioning into the professional realm, she held significant roles: She is currently serving as the Secretary General at The Nordic Council Secretariat since 2021, she was also the Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2019. Earlier, she provided advisory services to reputable entities such as Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding between 2011 and 2015. Her impactful leadership was evident during her tenure as the Minister of Education, Research, and Culture in 2008 and as the Director of the Department for Development, IT, and Marketing at Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding from 2007 to 2011. Prior to this, she honed my financial acumen as a Project Manager and Investment Advisor at Føroya Banki in 2006 and as an Economist and Lawyer at Landsbanki Føroya from 2004 to 2005. Kristina’s professional journey began with pivotal roles as a Student Assistant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry
Kristina Háfoss
Engaging in a diverse educational journey, Kristina has acquired a Certificate of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Business School, an MSc in Politics from the University of Copenhagen focusing on Economics, and a Master of Laws also from the University of Copenhagen in Law. This academic foundation solidified her expertise in various fields. Transitioning into the professional realm, she held significant roles: She is currently serving as the Secretary General at The Nordic Council Secretariat since 2021, she was also the Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2019. Earlier, she provided advisory services to reputable entities such as Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding between 2011 and 2015. Her impactful leadership was evident during her tenure as the Minister of Education, Research, and Culture in 2008 and as the Director of the Department for Development, IT, and Marketing at Tryggingarfelagið Føroyar, Betri pensjón, and TF Holding from 2007 to 2011. Prior to this, she honed my financial acumen as a Project Manager and Investment Advisor at Føroya Banki in 2006 and as an Economist and Lawyer at Landsbanki Føroya from 2004 to 2005. Kristina’s professional journey began with pivotal roles as a Student Assistant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry
Secretary General, Nordic Council

Hon. Kerryne James
Hon. Kerryne Z James Biography: Kerryne Zennelle James is a level-headed, calm, and enthusiastic individual who can carry out any role professionally and effectively. Through her many years in service to her community and country, she has meaningfully contributed to team success through hard work, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills. She was born in Gouyave, in the parish of St. John. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. George’s University, and an Associate Degree from the School of Arts, Science, and Professional Studies, at the T.A. Marryshow Community College, in Law, Geography, and Sociology. In 2018 she was appointed to the House of Senate – becoming the youngest Senator in the history of Grenada and the Commonwealth of Nations. There, she was more instrumental in her quest for change by supporting and reviewing laws for the betterment of her peers and country. Today, she is the youngest elected member of Parliament in the History of Grenada; and the only female elected member for the winning party. She is now the Minister for Climate Resilience, The Environment, and Renewable Energy, Grenada.
Hon. Kerryne James
Hon. Kerryne Z James Biography: Kerryne Zennelle James is a level-headed, calm, and enthusiastic individual who can carry out any role professionally and effectively. Through her many years in service to her community and country, she has meaningfully contributed to team success through hard work, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills. She was born in Gouyave, in the parish of St. John. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. George’s University, and an Associate Degree from the School of Arts, Science, and Professional Studies, at the T.A. Marryshow Community College, in Law, Geography, and Sociology. In 2018 she was appointed to the House of Senate – becoming the youngest Senator in the history of Grenada and the Commonwealth of Nations. There, she was more instrumental in her quest for change by supporting and reviewing laws for the betterment of her peers and country. Today, she is the youngest elected member of Parliament in the History of Grenada; and the only female elected member for the winning party. She is now the Minister for Climate Resilience, The Environment, and Renewable Energy, Grenada.
Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment & Renewable Energy, Government of Grenada

Hon. Dennis King
Dennis King has served as the 33rd Premier of Prince Edward Island since May 2019 after forming the first minority government in Prince Edward Island since 1890. Dennis adopted a collaborative leadership style that continues to this day, seeking input from all parties on key government policies, legislation, and budget investments.
King’s tenure as Premier has been marked by navigating major public events such as two hurricanes, cyberattacks, an international trade dispute, and a global pandemic.
Before being elected Premier of Prince Edward Island in 2019, Dennis worked as a journalist and communications advisor; as an entrepreneur and industry executive; and as an author, broadcaster and storyteller.
Dennis grew up in Georgetown, graduating from Montague Regional High School in 1990. He and his wife Jana live in Brookfield and they are the proud parents of Jacob, Camdyn and Callum.
Hon. Dennis King
Dennis King has served as the 33rd Premier of Prince Edward Island since May 2019 after forming the first minority government in Prince Edward Island since 1890. Dennis adopted a collaborative leadership style that continues to this day, seeking input from all parties on key government policies, legislation, and budget investments.
King’s tenure as Premier has been marked by navigating major public events such as two hurricanes, cyberattacks, an international trade dispute, and a global pandemic.
Before being elected Premier of Prince Edward Island in 2019, Dennis worked as a journalist and communications advisor; as an entrepreneur and industry executive; and as an author, broadcaster and storyteller.
Dennis grew up in Georgetown, graduating from Montague Regional High School in 1990. He and his wife Jana live in Brookfield and they are the proud parents of Jacob, Camdyn and Callum.
Premier of Prince Edward Island

Hon. Carlos James
Honourable Carlos James, Esq. MP is an elected Parliamentarian and serves in the Cabinet of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. He is a former Speaker of the House in the Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and also served as a Senator and Deputy Speaker. Minister James has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Aviation, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Oceans, Heritage and Recreational Sites, National Parks and Beaches, Culture, Filming, Copyright, Memorial Hall, the National Trust and a number of government agencies and statutory bodies, which provides services covering the aforementioned areas. Minister James brings a wealth of professional experience to the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, having spent over a decade as a practising Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Hons. and a Master of Laws (LL.M). He is a graduate of the City Law School (formerly Inns of Court School of Law), London UK and is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (London, UK). He is called to the Bar of England and Wales and the Bar of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines respectively.
Hon. Carlos James
Honourable Carlos James, Esq. MP is an elected Parliamentarian and serves in the Cabinet of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. He is a former Speaker of the House in the Parliament of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and also served as a Senator and Deputy Speaker. Minister James has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Aviation, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Oceans, Heritage and Recreational Sites, National Parks and Beaches, Culture, Filming, Copyright, Memorial Hall, the National Trust and a number of government agencies and statutory bodies, which provides services covering the aforementioned areas. Minister James brings a wealth of professional experience to the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, having spent over a decade as a practising Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Hons. and a Master of Laws (LL.M). He is a graduate of the City Law School (formerly Inns of Court School of Law), London UK and is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (London, UK). He is called to the Bar of England and Wales and the Bar of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines respectively.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Hon. Steven Myers
Steven Myers was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2023. In May 2019, Myers was appointed Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy. In February 2021, Myers was sworn in as Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
Steven has served as Leader of the Opposition, Opposition House Leader and Opposition Critic for Education, Economic Development and Tourism, Transportation, and Rural Development. As Opposition Education Critic, he was instrumental in helping prevent the closure of several schools across Prince Edward Island, including Georgetown Elementary.
Steven’s community involvement includes being Past-President of Cardigan Minor Ball and Montague Minor Hockey, Chair of the Cardigan Ball Field Renovations Committee and the 2011 Midget Female Atlantics Host Committee, as well as a Board Member of the Cardigan Communities Development Association and the PEI Minor Hockey Council.
Steven has four children, Brad, Luke and twins Mila and Arthur, and lives with his partner Sheryl in Burnt Point.
Steven was re-elected as the MLA for District 2, Georgetown- Pownal, on April 3rd, 2023.
Hon. Steven Myers
Steven Myers was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2023. In May 2019, Myers was appointed Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy. In February 2021, Myers was sworn in as Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
Steven has served as Leader of the Opposition, Opposition House Leader and Opposition Critic for Education, Economic Development and Tourism, Transportation, and Rural Development. As Opposition Education Critic, he was instrumental in helping prevent the closure of several schools across Prince Edward Island, including Georgetown Elementary.
Steven’s community involvement includes being Past-President of Cardigan Minor Ball and Montague Minor Hockey, Chair of the Cardigan Ball Field Renovations Committee and the 2011 Midget Female Atlantics Host Committee, as well as a Board Member of the Cardigan Communities Development Association and the PEI Minor Hockey Council.
Steven has four children, Brad, Luke and twins Mila and Arthur, and lives with his partner Sheryl in Burnt Point.
Steven was re-elected as the MLA for District 2, Georgetown- Pownal, on April 3rd, 2023.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Prince Edward Island

Dr. Teófilo Cunha
Born in Venezuela, on January 26, 1969. He did primary education ( 1st Cycle of Basic Education ) at the São Jorge Primary School. He attended the Jaime Moniz High School from the 8th to the 12th year.
He has a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto – 1991/1996.
1997/2000 – Beginning of pharmaceutical activity, in community pharmacy, in Porto ( Farmácia Mafalda ) and in the city of Maia ( Central Pharmacy of Catassol ).
In 2000 he returned to Madeira and continued his professional pharmaceutical activity, in Funchal (Farmácia do Bom Jesus).
2002/2004 did a postgraduate course in Viticulture and Oenology, at the Escola Superior de Biotechnology at the Catholic University, Porto.
Elected president of the São Jorge Parish Council, with an absolute majority, in 2009.
Elected deputy to the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, in 2011
Re-elected president of the São Jorge Parish Council, in 2013, a position he would abdicate because he was elected mayor of Santana.
Elected Mayor of Santana, in 2013, with an absolute majority.
Re-elected Mayor of Santana, in 2017.
Dr. Teófilo Cunha
Born in Venezuela, on January 26, 1969. He did primary education ( 1st Cycle of Basic Education ) at the São Jorge Primary School. He attended the Jaime Moniz High School from the 8th to the 12th year.
He has a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto – 1991/1996.
1997/2000 – Beginning of pharmaceutical activity, in community pharmacy, in Porto ( Farmácia Mafalda ) and in the city of Maia ( Central Pharmacy of Catassol ).
In 2000 he returned to Madeira and continued his professional pharmaceutical activity, in Funchal (Farmácia do Bom Jesus).
2002/2004 did a postgraduate course in Viticulture and Oenology, at the Escola Superior de Biotechnology at the Catholic University, Porto.
Elected president of the São Jorge Parish Council, with an absolute majority, in 2009.
Elected deputy to the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, in 2011
Re-elected president of the São Jorge Parish Council, in 2013, a position he would abdicate because he was elected mayor of Santana.
Elected Mayor of Santana, in 2013, with an absolute majority.
Re-elected Mayor of Santana, in 2017.
Regional Secretary for Sea and Fisheries, Madeira

David O’Sullivan
David is from Ireland, a relatively small but formidable island in the Northeast Atlantic. He is a Marine Biologist and has been with Ireland’s Marine Institute for over 14 years across a number of sections. Previous research involved mapping larval transportation models, which contributed to sustainable management of commercial fish stocks and provided practical advice on marine-spatial planning. With INFOMAR, Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme, he developed the value-added and education program to help translate complex seabed mapping data to a range of audiences.
He has completed multiple offshore and onshore surveys including hydrographic, geophysical, fisheries and biological exploration. The latter included 152 ROV dives as Chief Scientist of a high impact, marine biodiversity assessment project, the EMFF Offshore Reef Survey ‘SeaRover’, which supported marine management and planning decisions in Ireland. David is currently Programme Manager for Our Shared Ocean, a funding initiative from the Gov. of Ireland to support research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States and he manages 22 Ocean Research Projects based throughout the global SIDS. He has also developed multiple training opportunities for SIDS participants with various partners including Island Innovation and the UN Ocean Decade. He currently sits on the the IOC Group of Experts for Capacity Development.
David O’Sullivan
David is from Ireland, a relatively small but formidable island in the Northeast Atlantic. He is a Marine Biologist and has been with Ireland’s Marine Institute for over 14 years across a number of sections. Previous research involved mapping larval transportation models, which contributed to sustainable management of commercial fish stocks and provided practical advice on marine-spatial planning. With INFOMAR, Ireland’s national seabed mapping programme, he developed the value-added and education program to help translate complex seabed mapping data to a range of audiences.
He has completed multiple offshore and onshore surveys including hydrographic, geophysical, fisheries and biological exploration. The latter included 152 ROV dives as Chief Scientist of a high impact, marine biodiversity assessment project, the EMFF Offshore Reef Survey ‘SeaRover’, which supported marine management and planning decisions in Ireland. David is currently Programme Manager for Our Shared Ocean, a funding initiative from the Gov. of Ireland to support research, knowledge exchange and capacity building in partnership with Small Island Developing States and he manages 22 Ocean Research Projects based throughout the global SIDS. He has also developed multiple training opportunities for SIDS participants with various partners including Island Innovation and the UN Ocean Decade. He currently sits on the the IOC Group of Experts for Capacity Development.
Our Shared Ocean - Program Manager, Irish Marine Institute

Rui Sabino
Senior Executive with large experience in Strategic Planning, Sales, Marketing & Technical Management. Recognized as an expert in ICT & Geospatial knowledge, mixing together an objective-driven attitude with a long-term vision nurtured by continuous research and curiosity, always focused on problem solving and organizational growth. As also in his career a long experience as ICT Senior Consultant for major Financial Services companies in Portugal with more than 15 years of experience in Project Management.
Graduated in ICT Management from Universidade Lusófona and an MBA in Corporate Management from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, added also to Academic path a Post-Graduation in Project Management from Instituto Bissaya Barreto and a specialization in Business Strategy from Harvard Business School.
Working with Esri Portugal since 2006 a leading company in Geographic Information Systems in Portugal.
Rui Sabino
Senior Executive with large experience in Strategic Planning, Sales, Marketing & Technical Management. Recognized as an expert in ICT & Geospatial knowledge, mixing together an objective-driven attitude with a long-term vision nurtured by continuous research and curiosity, always focused on problem solving and organizational growth. As also in his career a long experience as ICT Senior Consultant for major Financial Services companies in Portugal with more than 15 years of experience in Project Management.
Graduated in ICT Management from Universidade Lusófona and an MBA in Corporate Management from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, added also to Academic path a Post-Graduation in Project Management from Instituto Bissaya Barreto and a specialization in Business Strategy from Harvard Business School.
Working with Esri Portugal since 2006 a leading company in Geographic Information Systems in Portugal.
CEO, ESRI Portugal
Policy Officer, Associação Natureza Portugal - WWF Portugal
Previous Sponsors

McInnes Cooper is among Canada’s 25 largest business law firms and the exclusive member of Lex Mundi for Atlantic Canada, the world’s leading network of independent law firms. Providing strategic counsel to industry-leading clients here and abroad for more than 160 years, we continue to thrive through our relentless focus on client success.

EPRA is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization that operates regulated recycling programs across Canada. We represent the largest network of qualified processors and drop-off locations in Canada. EPRA works across diverse regulatory landscapes and challenging logistical backdrop, to ensure materials are collected, recycled and handled in a safe, secure and environmentally sound manner.

Together we power the future!
Sunly is an independent energy producer who develops renewable energy projects in the Baltics and Poland. Sunly also manages a renewable energy and electrification portfolio of start-ups in Estonia.
Sunly was established by 4Energia team after 4Energia shares were sold to Enefit Green AS. At the moment of acquisition 4Energia was the biggest renewable energy company in the Baltics.
Sunly has local teams in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

Our Shared Ocean is a multi-annual funding programme, and part of the Government of Ireland's response to the environmental and economic challenges facing many SIDS.
It reflects our national commitment to establishing and growing closer ties with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as described in A Better World, Ireland’s policy for international development while also helping to deliver the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Shared Ocean will provide funding through annual competitive calls for projects within our three main themes; Oceans & Climate, Inclusive and Sustainable Blue Economy & Marine Policy and Ocean Governance.
SIDS already play a crucial role in relation to global ocean governance with capacity to develop innovative responses to these challenges. We hope to amplify that capacity by listening to solutions and providing help where needed.

Glas Ocean Electric’s electric drive system brilliantly engineered in cooperation with British Aerospace Engineering is easily installed between a diesel power plant and a vessel’s propeller, allowing efficient use of the diesel to get on site, but then offering hours of use on electric power alone. Glas Ocean’s HyMarine electric drive is a simple but robust drop-in kit that significantly lowers fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while creating a more comfortable work environment by reducing the noise and vibration that diesel propulsion generates.
Glas Ocean’s conversion kit offers flexibility and redundancy. The original diesel engine is available as back up while electric propulsion radically reduces operational costs and creates a more comfortable environment for crew.

We are the Atlantic Used Oil Management Association, and we’re here to make it easy to recycle used oil products. Across Atlantic Canada we have Registered Collectors and Processors to collect and recycle used oil, used antifreeze, used oil filters, oil and antifreeze containers, and aerosol containers.
We are a non-profit association that operates an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program. We collect and recycle used oil and antifreeze products on behalf of a group of companies that produce and sell these products.
The Atlantic Used Oil Management Association is governed by a Board of Directors with representation from manufacturing, retail, and distribution sectors of the oil and antifreeze products industry.
Used oil and antifreeze recycling activities are governed by provincial regulations and a Stewardship Plan. The Atlantic Used Oil Management Association is required to provide detailed reports on its activities to its members and to the Regulatory agency in each of the Atlantic provinces.

AKA Energy Systems (Aspin Kemp & Associates Inc.) is an energy systems provider delivering innovative solutions to island and microgrid power systems. AKA designs, manufactures, and supports power and propulsion assets for marine, Offshore O&G, and land-based industries. AKA has shifted the paradigm for fuel efficiency and reliability in offshore drilling with proven fuel savings of over 50% and similar results in marine and land-based microgrids.

Clean Foundation promotes green solutions for today – and supports the environmental leaders of tomorrow. We are a Nova Scotia-based independent, non-governmental environmental charity that began in 1988. Our passion is providing the knowledge, tools and inspiration needed to encourage the actions that lead to positive environmental change.
Clean Foundation works in the ancestral and unceded territories of the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik.
We support the fair transition to a cleaner economy and greener society. To achieve this, we work collaboratively with our many partners to:
- Reduce energy poverty
- Promote social equity and support historically marginalized communities
- Develop the clean economy workforce
- Protect the natural environment
- Educate and promote action on climate change