Prime Minister Drew Opens Global Sustainable Islands Summit, Emphasizing Leadership and Partnerships in Addressing Climate Change

The 2025 Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS), held in Saint Kitts and Nevis, marked a pivotal moment for small island developing states (SIDS) in their ongoing struggle against the escalating climate crisis. The summit, hosted at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including government leaders, policymakers, global investors, and crucially, youth changemakers, all united by the shared goal of addressing the existential threats facing island nations. Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, set the tone for the two-day event, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and highlighting the critical role SIDS must play in shaping the global response to climate change. He framed the summit as a “clarion call” for a fundamental reassessment of how island nations approach their shared future in the face of rising sea levels, economic vulnerabilities, and the broader impacts of a changing climate.

The GSIS provided a vital platform for SIDS to not only voice their concerns but also to showcase their leadership and innovative solutions. Prime Minister Drew emphasized that while SIDS bear a disproportionate burden of climate change risks, they are also hubs of innovation, resilience, and bold leadership. He urged attendees to view island nations not as isolated entities but as interconnected communities, united by their history, resilience, and shared determination to forge a sustainable path forward. This theme of interconnectedness underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and the need for a unified global approach to climate action. The summit served as a powerful reminder that the challenges facing SIDS are not isolated incidents but rather symptomatic of a larger global crisis demanding a collective response.

The opening ceremony of the GSIS featured contributions from various key figures, including presentations by passionate youth leaders who had participated in the preceding Island Youth Forum. Their active involvement underscored the summit’s commitment to intergenerational dialogue and the recognition that future generations will bear the brunt of climate change impacts. Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Action, Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, and Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, also contributed significantly to the opening discussions, highlighting the unified approach within Saint Kitts and Nevis to address climate challenges. The inclusion of diverse voices, particularly those of young people, underscored the summit’s emphasis on inclusive and participatory decision-making processes in tackling the climate crisis.

Prime Minister Drew’s keynote address resonated with a powerful message of empowerment and urgency. He stressed that despite their relatively small landmass, SIDS possess a vast vision for a sustainable future. He challenged the prevailing narrative that often marginalizes island nations, advocating for greater inclusion, equity, and meaningful collaboration in global climate governance. He criticized the historical tendency to sideline SIDS in international discussions, arguing that their experiences, data, and innovations are often overlooked. He emphasized the need for SIDS to be recognized not merely as peripheral actors but as central players in the global climate fight, positioned at the forefront of both challenges and solutions.

The Prime Minister underscored the critical role of gatherings like the GSIS, emphasizing their imperative nature in the face of the escalating climate crisis. He asserted that SIDS, through their innovation, lived experience, and consistent advocacy, are illuminating the path toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for all. His words served as a call to action, urging the international community to recognize and support the leadership of SIDS in driving climate action. The GSIS aimed to shift the narrative, positioning island nations not as victims of climate change but as active agents of change, driving innovation and advocating for a more sustainable future.

The 2025 Global Sustainable Islands Summit served as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of small island developing states. It provided a crucial platform for these nations to amplify their voices, share their experiences, and advocate for greater global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis. The summit’s emphasis on youth engagement, inclusive dialogue, and the leadership of SIDS underscored the importance of collective action and the urgent need for a global shift towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. The event marked a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against climate change, highlighting the critical role SIDS play in shaping a more sustainable future for all.