LISBON, PORTUGAL: Island Innovation will be hosting an Island Pavilion at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, 27 June – 1 July. The Island Pavilion will be in a hybrid format, providing coverage and commentary on the ground, in addition to a series of free events which will be live-streamed to over 130,000 island stakeholders, to share and connect islands around the world to what is happening in Lisbon.

Co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, the UN Ocean Conference seeks “to propel much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action.” The conference will focus on advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”. This is particularly critical for islands, and notably Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who are at the forefront of the effects of climate change, and the rapid decline in ocean health.

Commenting on the launch of the Pavilion, Island Innovation CEO James Ellsmoor said: “Our island community is spread globally, and we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the discussions taking place on the future of the ocean, especially those living on islands and coastal areas. This hybrid format will allow us to have an in-person presence at the conference, ensuring island voices are heard on the ground, whilst also giving access to those who can’t be there in person.”

James Ellsmoor continued, “The threats to our ocean are deeply concerning to us, as they have particularly severe consequences for islands. We are continuously committed to helping our audience stay informed about this critical issue and are doing everything in our power to help tackle the ocean crisis. We want to utilize this important opportunity by combining our knowledge of resilient, sustainable islands, with our proven ability to successfully collaborate with island communities around the world, to amplify the voices and knowledge of islanders to a global audience.”

Those who register to the Island Pavilion can expect to receive daily updates, news and extra resources from the UN Ocean Conference, access to the agenda and side events for those attending in person, as well as full details of the series of live streams to be hosted by Island Innovation.

One of the sessions will feature the winners of the “Blue Economy Award” at the Island Innovation Awards, which were recently hosted in collaboration with the Clinton Global Initiative and featured a stellar panel of judges, including UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson.

For full details and to register to the Island Pavilion for free, please visit: https://islandinnovation.co/un-ocean-conference/#register-now