A Week of Inspiration: Islands Unite for a Renewable Future
In October 2024, leaders from 10 island nations and territories gathered in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the third cohort of the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Program. Delegations from Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Cook Islands, Curaçao, Nauru, Rapa Nui, Saint Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and the U.S. Virgin Islands came together with a shared mission: to transition their communities to 100% renewable energy.
The week-long conference was a blend of inspiration, collaboration, and actionable insights. Participants heard from experts like former Hawaii Governor David Ige, who shared lessons from Hawaii’s groundbreaking 2015 law mandating 100% renewable electricity by 2045. A highlight was the visit to Mililani Solar Park, where fellows witnessed agrivoltaics in action — a groundbreaking approach combining solar energy with agriculture.
One of the most memorable moments came during the farewell reception atop Tantalus, where Minister Melford Nicholas of Antigua and Barbuda and Minister Konris Maynard of St. Kitts and Nevis signed Blue Planet Climate Agreements (BPCA), demonstrating their nations’ commitment to a renewable future. The BPCA is a non-binding pledge to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045 (if not before). The two signings last fall now bring the total number of signatories to 11, showcasing the growing momentum of the global renewable-energy movement.
For many participants, the program was transformative. “This conference opened my mind to new ideas and made me realize that achieving 100% renewable energy for our island is possible,” shared a fellow from Rapa Nui. Another participant from Belize added, “We left with a lot of knowledge to take back to our country.”
The Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Program is more than an event — it’s a movement. By bringing together leaders, experts, and advocates, it’s paving the way for a sustainable future, one island at a time.
Join the Movement
Are you inspired to take action? Visit Blue Planet Alliance http://blueplanetalliance.org to learn how you can support the transition to 100% renewable energy. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future for all.
