(Honolulu, 20 November) – The Local2030 Islands Network, the world’s first peer-to-peer global network focused on islands and the Sustainable Development Goals announces an ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability - as its newest partner. ICLEI is a global network of more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development which includes islands across the globe.

ICLEI’s top priorities in joining are promoting sustainable island and urban development through sub-national and city leadership on a range of issues important to islands including; resilience and systems planning, climate change and clean energy, healthy oceans and near-shore coastal fisheries management, resilient infrastructure and innovative finance, ecosystems services for resilience and post-disaster recovery and sustainable tourism.

Islands are on the frontlines of climate change and are uniquely positioned to lead the world in the transition towards a climate-resilient and net-zero emissions future. As islands are experiencing the already-occurring impacts of multiple crises, they are developing innovative solutions to reduce risk and build resilience. Bringing together the strengths of ICLEI and Local2030 Islands Network will enable island connection and coordination, technical assistance, learning and support to implementation.

“The breadth of technical knowledge and experience that ICLEI brings to bear through its work in over 2,500 cities, towns and regions worldwide can only bolster our work here, tailored to an island context,"  said Ms Kate Brown, Co-Chair of the Local2030 Islands Network.

“We focus on peer to peer exchange between islands through communities of practice on renewable energy, sustainable and regenerative tourism and data for climate resilience, conduct a regular island summit with our members, and are working to ensure that islands and their efforts on climate and sustainable development are recognised and their experiences shared. We look forward to ICLEI bringing its many strengths into this network,” she explained further.

Emphasizing the relevance of this partnership, Mr. Gino Van Begin, Secretary General, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, said "Local2030 Islands Network's emphasis on peer-to-peer exchange and focus topics align seamlessly with ICLEI's approach to promoting cross-learning and collaboration across its global network and areas of expertise. This partnership further reinvigorates our Frontline Cities and Islands initiative that aims at building the resilience of islands and coastal cities around the world. We believe that our collective efforts across sectors and scales will advance the rapid and transformative changes that are necessary, especially in the case of islands, in response to the climate emergency that we are faced with. We are pleased to partner with Local2030 Islands Network and look forward to productive collaborations."

To learn more about the Local2030 Islands Network, our partners, or to become/suggest a partner, please visit our partners page.