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

Island nations are on the frontlines of climate change and energy insecurity, yet they are also global leaders in reimagining what resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy systems can look like. For many islands, the energy transition is not only about reducing emissions or deploying renewable power. It is about strengthening economic resilience, improving energy security, protecting communities from climate shocks, and creating new opportunities for locally driven development.

Despite ambitious targets and strong political leadership, many island energy initiatives struggle to move from concept to implementation. This challenge rarely reflects a lack of vision or commitment. Instead, it stems from the complexity of aligning system planning, resilient infrastructure design, institutional and regulatory frameworks, project preparation, and investment in small and climate vulnerable markets.

This session launches RMI’s Global Islands Program approach by convening island leaders, partners, and funders around a shared understanding of how island energy transitions move from ambition to delivery. Bringing together perspectives from the Caribbean, Pacific, and African Small Island Developing States, the discussion will highlight islands that are successfully breaking this cycle and translating clean energy goals into investable, resilient outcomes through a common pathway from ambition to impact.