Join attendees from around the world’s islands for the Opening Ceremony of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025. Presented in partnership with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Island Innovation, the Opening Ceremony will set the tone for the summit, featuring addresses from the host government and the organisers.

The conclusion of the Island Youth Forum just ahead of GSIS provides us an opportunity to hear from the next generation of island leaders on key sustainability issues. What is needed in the short-term to safeguard a prosperous long-term future? Find out what the world’s young islanders have to say in this session presented in conjunction with the Marine Institute’s Our Shared Ocean, and UN Climate Change’s Youth 4 Capacity programmes.

Climate change is intensifying water scarcity through altered precipitation patterns, increased evaporation, and extreme weather events. This session will delve into the latest research and practical approaches for water conservation and management, including sustainable irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and integrated water resource management. Participants will gain insights into adapting to a changing climate and securing water resources for communities and ecosystems.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face a variety of challenges as they seek to strengthen their climate resilience and respond to the impacts of climate change. Creating a resilient island community requires island-led solutions for renewable energy, socio-economic growth and governance. This session will focus on innovative strategies, policy frameworks, and local solutions across various sectors which are promoting sustainable development and supporting effective recovery efforts.

This Scenic Railway tour will highlight the island’s landscapes and provide commentary on its history and geography. It is an example of a sustainable economic activity stemming from the monocultural economy that shaped our history.

Delegates disembark from the Scenic Railway tours and are greeted with a welcome beverage.

Our islands are as diverse as they are numerous - but commonalities exist that bind us across this ocean we share. Hear from  representatives from each SIDS region working in key sectors as we explore the meaning of climate resilience and how leadership and policy making efforts must adapt to account for increased vulnerabilities and changes in geopolitical landscapes.

A demonstration of hydroponic farming methods to showcase the diversity of sustainable agricultural practices. This feature may run concurrently alongside the rest of the agenda and may be an attraction to be visited at the reasonable leisure of each participant.

A discussion on the Eco-Park Greens, where sustainable agriculture, green energy, and tourism converge – the perfect space to dive into the commonalities and synergies of these sectors which play a critical role in island economies.  Participants will share on how island nations can sustainably adapt, amplify and bring a sense of individualism and ownership to agricultural and tourism products.

A promotion of the nation’s SDG Accelerator Model, the Sustainable Island State Agenda to showcase current milestones and map the trajectory for the Agenda’s future toward 2040.  This will also be the moment where the official promotional material (including the SISA’s logo, colorway, visual promotional content, pillar strategies and official website) are unveiled, introduced to the public and made available for public reference and continued access.

A cultural celebration complete with dancers, drummers and local talent to add festive exuberance and lend uplifting energies that will complement the cultural and nationalistic momentum of the Sustainable Island State Agenda.   

Wrap-up remarks bring a close to the night’s proceedings and invite attending guests to enjoy some light cocktails and local bites.  

Transportation will be provided at the end of the session back to the Marriott Hotel (by bus).