The Local2030 Islands Network will host its 3rd Leaders' Summit at the Small Island Developing States Conference (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda on May 29, 2024. The event will build upon previous leader meetings at the UN General Assembly and Our Ocean Conference in Palau. Island heads of state and dignitaries from developed and developing island economies will gather in a peer-to-peer setting, fostering collaborative discussions on shared priorities, action plans, technical requirements, available resources, and collaborative opportunities on shared sustainable development and climate action goals in local and culturally contextualized approaches.

Guam is a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network. The US island territory implements principles of the network through Guam Green Growth, a comprehensive public-private initiative advancing the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Micronesia Conservation Trust and Micronesia Challenge are sponsoring Guam leadership participation at SIDS4. Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua F. Tenorio will serve as the moderator of the roundtable discussion during the Local2030 Islands Network Leaders’ Summit. Participants will include U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Republic of Palau President Surrangel Whipps Jr., and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

“Islands are on the frontlines of climate change impact. Engaging with fellow island nation and territory leaders at SIDS4 is a valuable opportunity to continue our collective push toward a sustainable global future,” said Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio. “Our work through Guam Green Growth is recognized globally as a bright spot among islands for sustainable development. We have much to share and much to learn at this U.N. convening for islands.”