Increasing representation and access to development funding and climate finance for Sub-National Island Jurisdictions
The Coalition brings together island governments to remove finance barriers, accelerate climate action, and keep local priorities at the centre of global decision-making.
SNIJs confront immense climate risks with limited access to resources. The Coalition amplifies their voices, coordinates action, and charts pathways to fair climate finance.
The Sub-National Island Jurisdiction (SNIJ) Coalition was launched at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025. It builds on years of collaboration among island governments, particularly the Dutch Caribbean islands of Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, whose leadership inspired the Coalition's creation.
While facing the highest levels of climate vulnerability, SNIJs encounter systemic barriers in accessing development funding and climate finance — including limited eligibility, administrative challenges, and gaps in visibility within national frameworks.
The Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition unites island governments, institutions, and partners to strengthen participation in global climate processes and unlock access to development funding and climate finance for locally led solutions that benefit both people and planet.
A Sub-National Island Jurisdiction (SNIJ) is a non-sovereign populated island territory that holds a degree of self-governance while remaining politically associated with a sovereign state. Examples include Aruba (within the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Puerto Rico (United States), and French Polynesia (France).
SNIJs often manage their own local policies and development priorities, yet face unique barriers to accessing international climate finance due to their political status and limited eligibility under national frameworks.
The Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition is built on foundational pillars that equip island territories with the voice, leverage, and capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing climate.
Elevating the priorities of Sub-National Island Jurisdictions in global policy and climate finance discussions to ensure their realities are recognized and represented.
Supporting island governments in shaping national and regional frameworks that enable direct access to climate finance.
Providing the knowledge, partnerships, and technical support needed to design competitive project proposals and secure sustainable funding streams.
Connecting islands through peer-to-peer exchange, shared learning, and documentation of best practices from across diverse island contexts.
Delivering targeted training, mentorship, and technical clinics to strengthen institutional readiness and the ability to access and manage climate funds.
The Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition channels collective advocacy, technical capacity, and finance access strategies so island territories can deliver transformative climate action grounded in local priorities.
By convening island decision-makers, the Coalition accelerates shared learning, unlocks funding pathways, and keeps sub-national realities present in global climate negotiations.
2025 focus: deepening joint proposals that blend climate finance, resilience, and blue economy investments.
Population footprint
Advocating for inclusive development pathways
Safeguarding coastal and ocean ecosystems
Virtual convenings connecting technical teams
High-level agenda shaping global discourse
Through events, partnerships, and advocacy, the Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition brings Sub-National Island Jurisdictions together to share experiences, strengthen technical capacity, and highlight opportunities for climate finance access.
Learn more about the Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition and our work supporting island communities.
Joint sessions in conjunction with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Special Envoy to the BES (Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba) Islands.
A landmark convening supported by the Nevis Administration, marking the first time Sub-National Island Leaders gathered to focus on access to finance.
Launch of the Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition alongside the governments of New Caledonia, Curaçao, and the EU-supported Green Overseas Programme.
Government of Curaçao
Island Innovation
Special Envoy for Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius
Norfolk Island Chamber of Commerce
States of Alderney
Estonian Islands Energy Agency
Gozo Business Chamber
Hiiumaa Municipality
Kihnu Municipality
Muhu Municipality
Ruhnu Municipality
Saaremaa Municipality
Vormsi MunicipalityThe Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition is a government-led alliance advancing finance access and sustainable investment for island territories worldwide.
As members, SNIJ governments gain access to:
A collective platform to elevate their voice in international climate dialogues, including support in participation in events such as the UN Ocean Conference and COP30.
Opportunities to engage with peer governments, development partners, and finance institutions through webinars, forums, and targeted training activities.
Practical support in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, alongside facilitated introductions to finance institutions.
Inclusion in shared communications campaigns that highlight member achievements, initiatives, and leadership on the global stage.
Strategic partnerships with the Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition create direct pathways to support island climate resilience and sustainable development at scale. Your partnership can:
Fund embedded advisers, capacity-building initiatives, and project development support tailored to SNIJ governance contexts.
Sponsor global and regional dialogues that convene island leaders, finance institutions, and development practitioners.
Support creation of bankable, locally led initiatives across climate adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
Commission evidence-based analysis addressing systemic barriers SNIJs face in accessing finance.
Test new finance mechanisms, governance models, or technical approaches designed specifically for sub-national jurisdictions.
Enable peer learning networks and South-South cooperation among island governments.
Build long-term capacity within island administrations to design, implement, and monitor complex projects.
Support the SNIJ Coalition mission and stay informed about opportunities to contribute to island climate resilience efforts.
Governments interested in joining the coalition can register their interest by contacting our team at info@islandinnovation.co
Learn more about the Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition and how to get involved.
A Sub-National Island Jurisdiction (SNIJ) is a non-sovereign populated island territory that holds a degree of self-governance while remaining politically associated with a sovereign state. Examples include Aruba (within the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Puerto Rico (United States), and French Polynesia (France).
SNIJs often manage their own local policies and development priorities, yet face unique barriers to accessing international climate finance due to their political status and limited eligibility under national frameworks.
If your island has autonomous governance—such as its own parliament or administration—but is not fully independent, it is likely a SNIJ. Membership is open to governmental bodies representing Sub-National Island Jurisdictions, as well as associated regional organizations that support SNIJ-led development and climate initiatives.
If you are unsure, reach out toinfo@islandinnovation.coto confirm eligibility or discuss how to engage your government.
SNIJ governments can become members by formally registering their interest and designating an official focal point. Members benefit from access to technical support, policy advocacy, and joint funding opportunities.
Organisations, donors, and partners can collaborate through strategic partnerships that support technical assistance, knowledge-sharing platforms, or project development pipelines.
Contactinfo@islandinnovation.coto explore membership or partnership options.
You can support the Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition by:
Whether you represent a government, donor, NGO, or research institution, your collaboration helps ensure that island territories receive equitable access to global climate finance.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about the Sub-National Island Jurisdiction Coalition.