Island Innovation’s Academic Council charts ahead in 2024 with exciting plans and continued participation
This year, Island Innovation’s Academic Council has planned some activities so that its founding and potential members can take full advantage of the benefits of the membership. These benefits include: Maximizing the impact of research by submitting articles based on the findings of your research to be shared with policymakers via Island Innovation’s platforms; Nurturing global island academic relationships through curated networking sessions, and opportunities for collaboration; Increased exposure and engagement by submitting proposals for panels, posters, and talks at events organized by Island Innovation; and Cultivating multi-stakeholder engagement to advance the creation of effective policies by engaging with policymakers through the sharing of policy briefs, and participation in virtual and in-person events.
In order to facilitate the benefits outlined above, the Academic Council will be focusing on curating more opportunities to network and will develop a comprehensive profile of each member on Island Innovation’s website as the main point of contact representing member institutions, so that it can highlight your academic background, research focus, notable contributions, and affiliations. Island Innovation will also provide a monthly Academic Council update via email, which will serve to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of new and other Founding Members through featured spotlights, and to share case studies that highlight successful collaborations, research outcomes, and the practical application of academic insights within island communities.
In addition, there is a Call for Proposals and Policy Briefs in 2024. This year, Island Innovation would like to give the opportunity to submit panel proposals for the following events such as the Island Finance Forum, a virtual event that takes place from 6-8 March 2024, bringing together senior financiers, development partners, and regulators to share and exchange expertise on sustainable and inclusive financial structures in island communities. Likewise, there is the Global Sustainable Islands Summit, the landmark in-person event for the global island community in 2024, taking place on 21-23 May 2024 in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is co-hosted by the Government of Prince Edward Island and aims to bring together professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss and explore innovative solutions and advancements in sustainable energy. Island Innovation takes pride in creating the bridge and starting conversations between the different sectors. You can submit your proposals here: https://forms.gle/sSmmrXtar4dqrb4M9. Finally, there is the Virtual Island Summit, scheduled for 9-13 September 2024, which is a flagship online event. This zero-carbon conference provides the opportunity to showcase your expertise amongst high-level speakers from islands all over the world.
Discussions at The Summit will explore all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in addition to other topics pertinent to island communities. The Summit will emphasize the need for input and partnerships from across the private, public, academic, and NGO sectors. From 11-24 November 2024, Island Innovation will host the Island Voices @ COP29 virtual space to share key insights and developments related to island communities. The wider aim of this initiative is to give a platform to islanders to gain the latest news and have a space to discuss the threats that they are facing, as well as solutions from local business leaders, civil society organizations, government representatives, and academics and provide a connection from COP29 to islanders across the world who cannot attend in person.
According to Stacey Alvarez de la Campa, the Academic Council Liaison, there are also opportunities for Partnerships “The United Nations 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) takes place this year from 27-30 May in Antigua & Barbuda, and will bring world leaders together to agree on a bold new programme of action for SIDS. This new ten-year plan will focus on practical and impactful solutions to keep SIDS afloat and give their citizens a sustainable and safe future. While Island Innovation will be creating a virtual space to share news and reports from and about the conference, we also welcome opportunities for us to partner with you to present in-person side events at the conference. Please indicate your interest in this regard by February 15th, 2024”.
Moreover, the academic council liaison charter the next critical steps, “We will begin the process of adding your profile, as the representative of your institution to our webpage. Please let us know if you prefer not to be included in this process. Indicate your interest in creating a policy brief, becoming a speaker, or submitting a proposal (preferably all three!) for any of the events listed above. You can reach out directly via email to arrange follow-up calls to finalize any plans made. Indicate the possibility of your institution partnering with us (and possibly other Founding Members) to create in-person side events at the SIDS4 conference by the deadline indicated above, and we can schedule a call to discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you, and for us embarking on an exciting journey together to make 2024 a memorable and dynamic year for the Island Innovation Academic Council!” (PR)
