Saint Kitts and Nevis Commended for Hosting Pivotal Global Sustainable Islands Summit

The Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS), held in Saint Kitts and Nevis from May 25-30, 2025, has been hailed as a resounding success, setting a new standard for international collaboration on sustainability issues. The summit brought together a diverse group of over 700 participants, including youth delegates, government officials, private sector representatives, academics, NGO members, and local vendors. Structured around a series of focused forums, the summit addressed critical areas such as youth engagement, geothermal energy, sustainable development strategies, and the unique challenges faced by subnational island jurisdictions. The event showcased the host nation’s commitment to sustainability, fostering an environment for knowledge sharing, networking, and the generation of innovative solutions for a more sustainable future for islands worldwide.

The carefully curated program of the GSIS ensured a comprehensive and impactful experience for all involved. The Island Youth Forum, held at the start of the summit, empowered young leaders to contribute to the sustainability discourse. The Geothermal Forum explored the potential of this renewable energy source for island nations. The main plenary sessions, spanning three days, provided a platform for high-level discussions on a wide range of sustainability-related topics. Finally, the Forum for Subnational Island Jurisdictions addressed the specific needs and opportunities of these unique political entities. The active participation of local vendors, offering natural and sustainable products, further reinforced the summit’s core message.

James Ellsmoor, CEO of Island Innovation, the co-organizer of the summit, lauded Saint Kitts and Nevis for their exceptional hosting, highlighting the significant impact of the event. He emphasized the role of islands as pioneers in developing sustainable systems across various sectors, from agriculture and water management to renewable energy. Ellsmoor expressed confidence that the connections and discussions fostered during the summit would spark future projects and initiatives, extending the positive ripple effect far beyond the event itself.

Gunther Pauli, a renowned entrepreneur and advocate for the “Blue Economy,” commended the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis for its ambitious seven-pillar agenda for building a sustainable island state. This agenda encompasses key areas such as food security, green energy transition, economic diversification, sustainable industries, the creative economy, COVID-19 recovery, and social protection. Sharing examples of successful sustainability initiatives from the Canary Islands, including self-sufficiency in energy and water production and post-fire reforestation, Pauli encouraged a paradigm shift towards proactive climate adaptation and the creation of healthy, resilient communities. He urged participants to embrace ambitious visions and reject limitations, emphasizing the potential for transformative change under strong leadership.

The Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for Energy, expressed his deep satisfaction with the depth and scope of the summit sessions, highlighting the valuable insights shared by panelists and the active engagement of participants. He emphasized the summit’s success in presenting sustainability as a tangible and achievable goal, accessible to everyone. Minister Maynard also praised the ingenuity and innovation demonstrated by island nations in developing tailored solutions to their unique challenges. He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Saint Kitts and Nevis into a model Sustainable Island State, a vision that was showcased to delegates at the Eco Park.

The GSIS served as a powerful demonstration of Saint Kitts and Nevis’s leadership in sustainable development. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering a collaborative environment, the summit generated momentum for tangible action towards a more sustainable future for islands worldwide. The event not only showcased successful initiatives but also inspired new ideas and partnerships, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and collaboration. The resounding success of the summit affirms the potential of island nations to lead the way in creating sustainable solutions for the benefit of their communities and the planet. The commitment of Saint Kitts and Nevis to “lead by example” sets a high bar for other island nations and reinforces the importance of international cooperation in tackling global sustainability challenges.