Creating the World’s First Climate-Smart Island Chain: International Launch of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund

Overseas Territories in the Caribbean face the frontline impacts of climate change but are often unable to access key global climate financing mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund, Green Climate Fund, and Loss and Damage Fund. This limitation has restricted their ability to build resilience and respond effectively to climate threats. However, the Virgin Islands is taking a pioneering step by establishing the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF), creating a dedicated mechanism to mobilise and manage climate finance.

The VICCTF aims to channel traditional, innovative, and blended funding sources toward urgent adaptation and mitigation priorities outlined in the territory’s Climate Change Policy, with the goal of developing the world’s first climate-smart island chain. The launch event will serve as a platform to introduce the fund’s initial capitalisation and operational framework, highlighting its design based on international best practices.

It will also bring together stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, academia, and government to support the fund’s first calls for proposals in 2026. Additionally, the event will explore how the VICCTF could expand its role as a regional implementing entity, extending support to other Overseas Territories and Eastern Caribbean countries while scaling impact through innovative financing approaches.