Circular Economy for Sustainable Islands: Designing Regenerative Island Futures

"The program provided a unique opportunity to learn from experts and peers about the best practices in sustainable development specific to SIDS. This experience was truly transformative and a turning point in both my personal and professional journey. The practical knowledge and international exposure I received are invaluable assets that have empowered me to drive my future endeavors to push forward sustainable development initiatives in my home country"

Shirleyna Aipa

Papua New Guinea

"It was an incredible platform for networking and learning from learning experts in the field. Being part of this cohort was an inspiring experience. The exchange of ideas and experiences with other participants and experts has equipped me with innovative approaches to address the sustainability challenges in my country"

Zenaida Maria Navarro Martinez

Cuba

"I really valued my experience with the Sustainable Islands course. What stood out most for me was the diversity and quality of speakers, and the "hands-on" nature of the sessions- having direct access to practitioners and experts, and being able to ask questions and engage with them in real time, made the learning feel very alive and applied rather than theoretical. The conversations were super interesting and enriching. Equally impactful was the depth and breadth of the participants. The conversations inside and outside of the sessions were incredible... bringing together people from so many different regions and focus areas, all united by a shared commitment to island resilience and to driving meaningful advocacy and action. It created a space where I felt both seen and heard, and genuinely part of something larger than myself. It's not often you come across such thoughtful dialogue about islands. One concept that has really stayed with me is the framing of islands as "lighthouses rather than pilots," specifically framing islands not just as testing grounds, but rather as guiding forces that can illuminate pathways for broader systemic change. That idea has continued to shape how I think about island sustainability work in a wider context. Grateful to have been part of the programme and excited to see it continue to evolve."

"I have really enjoyed both of the Islands Innovation Masterclass courses so far, and am really looking forward to the third one on the Circular Economy. Whilst the second course on Energy is my specialist subject, so I knew a lot of the technical details, I still learned a lot and made valuable new connections in my sector. In the first course on Strategies, Finance & Leadership for Innovation I really gained a lot of new insights, despite having worked in Pacific Islands for over a decade. I thoroughly recommend you any future courses, as the connections and community built through the course over 8 weeks, are exceptional"

"These classes have strengthened my understanding of energy, infrastructure, and global island issues. The courses are practical, accessible, and easy to follow regardless of experience level, while also providing valuable connections with like-minded people working toward similar goals. They have helped me explain complex issues more clearly, build support, and do my job more effectively."

Kianna Juda-Angelo

Special Envoy, Kwajalein Atoll Local Government