MICHELLE N. Samuel, Island Innovation Ambassador from St. Lucia will be involved in this year’s Virtual Island Summit (VIS). The Summit, to be held entirely online over the course of September 6th-12th, 2021, will feature heads of state, academics, and entrepreneurs from global islands, including St. Lucia, to discuss a range of complex issues including but not limited to: the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, sustainable development, renewable energies, responsible tourism, and many others.
In the run-up to the VIS, the Island Innovation Ambassadors from +350 islands worldwide have had the opportunity to communicate and liaise with each other, serving as bridges between their communities. This has provided an opportunity to connect distant islands and to amplify the voices of politicians, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, and community leaders on the challenges faced and solutions being developed on islands worldwide.
The ambassadors will be representing the interests of their islands and able to discuss with other attendees, speakers, and decision-makers throughout the VIS. Anticipated to have over 10,000 island stakeholders in attendance, the VIS is the only global summit bringing together stakeholders from around the world and enabling the public to listen in.
“This will be my second time representing St. Lucia in the capacity of Ambassador at VIS. Last year’s summit featured local artiste Mr. Ronald “Boo” Hinkson and Speaker Mr. Didacus Jules. This year is especially welcoming, that the Prime Minister of St. Lucia Hon. Phillip J. Pierre will be participating as a key speaker from the Western Hemisphere. The main theme for the Summit this year is Sharing Knowledge for Resilient, Sustainable and Prosperous Islands Worldwide, so it would be very interesting to hear what he and other key leaders have to say,” Samuel said.
James Ellsmoor, Island Innovation founder, commented: “The Island Innovation ambassadors play an incredibly important role in transmitting sustainable innovations between island communities and sharing best practices. This year’s ambassador cohort is incredibly passionate about economic and environmental issues facing islands, international cooperation, and sustainable development’’.
Island Innovation brings together the private sector, government, utilities, NGOs and universities to advance innovation for sustainability and prosperity in islands worldwide. For more information, visit the Island Innovation Website.