This week’s newsletter brings you the latest insights and developments from island communities around the world. Explore key environmental and economic issues, regional perspectives, and the growing efforts to protect local ecosystems & cultures. Stay informed and inspired by stories that highlight resilience, resistance, and innovation across island nations.
Croatia’s Pag Island to Produce Green Hydrogen Using Wave Energy
The island town of Novalja could become one of the first in Croatia to begin the production of green hydrogen, and a rare example in the region. Moreover, the local authority would utilise innovative technology. Croatia adopted its national strategy for hydrogen until 2050 in March 2022.
After an historic election, now an historic opportunity to host COP31 for Australia and the Pacific
Hosting COP31 could be our Olympic moment – a chance to reset, to showcase our potential and to centre Pacific leadership. As a country with power, privilege and historic responsibility, Australia must use its platform strategically and for the good of those most affected by climate change.
Cape Verde Unveils $45M TechPark to Position as ‘Tech Islands of West AFRICA’
The Government of Cape Verde is officially inaugurating Tech Park Cape Verde, a centre of excellence for tech companies, marking a milestone in the nation’s digital transformation journey. Funded by a €45.59 million investment from the African Development Bank, the investment represents nearly 2% of Cape Verde’s GDP and is a key component of the country’s strategy to diversify its economy.
A landmark agreement establishing the first Forum for Sub-National Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs) has been signed ahead of the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2025. The Forum is being heralded as a key stepping stone following discussions at COP29 in Azerbaijan and the SIDS4 conference in Antigua & Barbuda last year, focused on improving access to climate finance for SNIJs.
The agreement was crafted by Island Innovation and signed by multiple representatives: James Ellsmoor (CEO at Island Innovation), Hon. Spencer Brand (Minister of Physical Planning and Environment of the Nevis Island Administration), representatives from Curaçao, and Edison Rijna (Special Envoy for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba islands for EU and UN and Economic Development with Latin America and Caribbean). This agreement sets out a basic agenda for the Forum and establishes a framework for increased multilateral conversations & cooperation between SNIJs.
“Sub-National Island jurisdictions like ours are confronted by the same storms, droughts and economic disruptions,” notes Special Envoy Rijna. “We need to work together as SNIJs towards securing our future. This Forum will provide us a platform from which to build.”
The Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 Digital Magazine
The Caribbean Development Bank is funding 2 youth delegates to attend the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 under the Caribbean Action for Resilience Enhancement (CARE) Programme, a five-year initiative to support disaster risk management and climate resilience-building efforts in CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMC).
With a background in climate change and environmental management, Haitian activist Adelin Pierre currently serves in key positions at Nature-Action Québec and the Youth UNESCO for Climate Action Network. He is also a co-founder of a youth-led organisation in Haiti focused on water issues and is part of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Future Leaders Network.
At just 21 years old, Ferdison Valmond is an Indigenous climate change advocate from Dominica’s Kalinago Territory and founder of the Climate Justice Movement – Dominica, a platform promoting youth and Indigenous inclusion in climate policy. Valmond’s advocacy began at 15, leading to collaborations with the UN and UNESCO, and he recently completed a fellowship with the High-Level Climate Champions.
Island Innovation is offering 2 additional spots in our delegation to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), taking place from June 9-13, 2025 in Nice, France. We’re specifically looking for Island Representatives and Youth Advocates who are passionate about ocean conservation, sustainable development, and representing island voices on the global stage.
This is an unfunded opportunity — successful applicants will be added to our delegation list and registered for the conference, but must be able to cover all associated costs including travel, accommodation, meals, and visa requirements.
