2025 Global Sustainable Island Summit to be Hosted in Saint Kitts and Nevis, Uniting Island Nations for Climate Action and Innovation

The twin-island Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is poised to solidify its position as a champion of sustainability and a burgeoning hub for conference tourism with the upcoming Global Sustainable Island Summit (GSIS) scheduled for May 27-29, 2025. This significant event is expected to draw approximately 300 regional and international delegates, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among island nations facing common challenges in sustainable development and climate resilience. The Summit, organized by Island Innovation in partnership with local stakeholders, underscores the Federation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its proactive approach to attracting international conferences focused on critical global issues. The five-day event will feature a diverse range of activities, including a youth forum, expert discussions, a sub-regional summit, and a specialized Geothermal Summit, all geared towards promoting sustainable practices and building resilience in island communities.

GSIS 2025 will kick off at the symbolic ECO Park in Sandy Point, a collaborative venture with the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighting the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainability goals. Following the opening ceremony, the Summit will transition to the St. Kitts Marriott Resort for two days of intensive discussions centered around the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). These sessions will feature contributions from experts, leaders from various island nations, and former prime ministers, providing a platform for high-level dialogue and strategic planning. The event will then move to Nevis for a two-day sub-regional summit, focusing on crucial climate financing matters, particularly for smaller island states like Anguilla. Concurrent with the sub-regional summit, Nevis will also host a Geothermal Summit, co-hosted by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), St. Kitts Electricity Company Limited (SKELEC), and Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC), exploring the potential of renewable energy as a key component of sustainable development.

The emphasis on youth engagement is a notable aspect of GSIS 2025. The Ministry of Youth Empowerment will collaborate with the Summit organizers to facilitate a youth forum bringing together 200 participants, including 100 local youth leaders and 100 international representatives. This forum will provide a valuable opportunity for young people to contribute their perspectives, share innovative ideas, and develop leadership skills in the context of sustainable development. The inclusion of a youth component reflects the understanding that future generations will bear the brunt of climate change impacts and must be actively involved in shaping solutions for a sustainable future.

This Summit marks a significant milestone in Saint Kitts and Nevis’s journey towards becoming a recognized leader in sustainability and conference tourism. The Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment and Climate Action, emphasized the alignment of the event with Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew’s vision for leveraging conference tourism to promote sustainability and economic growth. Dr. Clarke highlighted the importance of mobilizing resources and facilitating meaningful conversations around sustainability, particularly given the demonstrated commitment of island nations to address these crucial issues. The Summit serves as a testament to the Federation’s dedication to not only hosting international events but also actively contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable development.

GSIS 2025 is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader strategy to position Saint Kitts and Nevis as a key player in the global sustainability movement. The Federation has already hosted or is scheduled to host several other significant sustainability-focused conferences in the near future. These include the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue with the Caribbean, focusing on climate financing, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Summit, convening regional human rights and environmental defenders. These events collectively demonstrate the Federation’s commitment to addressing a wide range of sustainability challenges, from climate finance to human rights and environmental protection.

Beyond the formal discussions and presentations, GSIS 2025 will also showcase practical examples of Saint Kitts and Nevis’s innovative approaches to sustainable development. Dr. Clarke highlighted initiatives such as a hydroponics project developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, demonstrating the country’s commitment to exploring sustainable agricultural practices. The involvement of local artists and craft traders further underscores the integration of economic development with sustainability principles. By showcasing these local initiatives, the Summit aims to inspire other island nations and foster a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing. The diverse partnerships being forged through GSIS 2025, involving nations from across the globe, demonstrate the Federation’s ambition to become a leading sustainable island state. The Summit is envisioned as a platform for launching new initiatives and strengthening existing partnerships, ultimately guiding island nations towards a more sustainable and resilient future.