Event agenda

Site Visits (Morning / Early Afternoon)

Decarbonising Desalination: Water Security for Island Futures

Official Opening Ceremony

Welcome Networking Reception

Opening High-Level Panel: A Global Vision for Sustainable and Resilient Islands

Join global leaders and island experts as they share their vision for sustainable and resilient islands.

Resilient Island Grids: Storage, Stability & High-Renewable Futures

This session explores the innovative technologies and strategies enabling resilient island grids, including hydrogen storage, pumped hydro, flexible grid operations, and integrated transmission and distribution planning.

Young People Shaping the Future of Museology Through the Lens of the SDGs

This session explores how museums can foster sustainable impact, heritage-focused research, and youth-led societal change, particularly in underrepresented communities.

Solutions Showase 1: Energy & Circularity

Mobilising Capital for Island Transitions

This session will bring together international institutions, financiers, and island networks to explore strategies for mobilising capital for clean energy and climate projects.

Decarbonising Desalination: Water Security for Island Futures

This panel will highlight how renewable-powered desalination and integrated water-energy systems can secure water supplies while cutting emissions, a critical issue for island communities.

Community Power: Batteries, Microgrids & Energy Innovation

This session will spotlight cutting-edge battery systems and microgrid projects that drive island energy autonomy and spark social innovation. Learn how pioneering storage solutions are reshaping resilience and independence for island communities.

Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF)

Solution Showcase: Blue Economy

Blue Horizons: Integrating Wave, Tidal & Offshore Wind for Island Energy Transitions

This session brings together leading experts and island research centres to explore the latest technological advances, multi-resource integration approaches, supportive regulatory frameworks, and lessons from global deployments.

Governing Natural Areas under Tourism Pressure

Islands face the dual challenge of preserving fragile ecosystems while supporting vibrant tourism economies. This session examines how islands manage natural areas under pressure from visitor flows, development, and climate change.

Geothermal Roundtable

Securing Island Food Systems: Resilience, Policy & Community Solutions

This session explores innovative approaches to food security, local production, and community resilience in island and remote contexts.

Building Island Talent, Institutions & Innovation Ecosystems

Closing of Day 2

The closing will reflect on the emerging themes, opportunities, and next steps ahead of the final day of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026.

Addressing Vulnerability on Small Island Developing States and Overseas Territories

This session will explore the findings of the latest report on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as well as its relevance for overseas territories and other non-sovereign island jurisdictions.

Blue Governance for a Changing Ocean

Islands shape the future of ocean management. This session explores marine spatial planning, fisheries transitions, sustainable aquaculture, maritime innovation, and the governance needed for resilient ocean economies.

Building Sustainable Local Innovation Ecosystems

Opening: Geothermal Energy as a Catalyst for Island Resilience

Global Islands in Action: Turning Energy Transition Concepts into Bankable, Resilient Futures

Overcoming Technical Barriers in Island Geothermal

Circular Economy Success Stories from Tourism-Driven Islands

This session explores how islands are implementing circular economy solutions to reduce waste, generate value, and create sustainable tourism models.

Finnova EU Matchmaking

Financing Island Geothermal Projects

Advancing Blue Innovation: Biotechnology and Sustainable Ocean Opportunities

This session will explore strategies for developing blue bioeconomy hubs that connect marine resources, innovation, and industry.

Policy, Community Engagement & Inclusive Implementation

Nature as Infrastructure: Coastal Protection & Community Resilience

This session explores nature-based solutions for coastal protection, highlighting how ecosystems such as wetlands, dunes, and reefs can buffer against storms, erosion, and sea-level rise while delivering social, economic, and biodiversity benefits.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Small Island Developing States

From Exploration to Baseload – Integrating Geothermal into Island Energy Systems

Growing Futures: Ensuring Economic Development for Islands

This session explores how islands can diversify their economies, strengthen SMEs, attract investment, and build resilient, future-ready growth models.

Closing: Key Takeaways & Next Steps

Bridging the Action Gap in SIDS: Envisioning a Renewable Energy Future

Island Governance for 2030: Policy, Collaboration & EU Alignment

This session brings together government and policy leaders to explore how islands can leverage EU funding frameworks, strengthen cross-island collaboration, and develop policies that drive sustainable growth.

Maritime Lifelines: Ports, Energy & Resilience for Islands

This session explores how ports, maritime operators, and energy providers can collaborate to electrify fleets, adopt green fuels, and strengthen resilience against climate shocks.

Closing Plenary

Join us for the final session of the 2026 Global Sustainable Islands Summit as we reflect on the strength, resilience, and knowledge exhibited by island communities throughout the conference.