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.”  

Lt. Governor Tenorio will also deliver key remarks during the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) strategic high-level reception during SIDS4 on behalf of GLISPA Leader, Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero. The purpose of this event is to catalyze significant new leadership, commitments, and partnerships toward achieving SDGs specific to islands, with a special focus on conservation and sustainability. It will be an opportunity to announce new and substantial commitments toward building resilient and sustainable island communities, including: 

• Launch of new 2030 GLISPA Strategy 
• Announcements on Micronesia Challenge 2030, Caribbean Challenge Initiative and others. 

Lt Governor Tenorio will speak to the significant progress made in the Micronesia Challenge since it was founded in 2006, The Micronesia Challenge, launched by 5 Micronesian Leaders (FSM, RMI, Palau, CNMI, Guam)  with a goal of effectively conserving at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020 has leveraged USD 82 million for conservation efforts.  It has placed over 70 new areas under conservation across all jurisdictions, and there has been an improvement in science-to-management decision-making with 20 new fisheries management policies enacted based on marine data.  It has also led to over 70 management plans or climate change adaptation plans developed and 65 socio-economic assessments completed.  

Dr. Austin Shelton, Local2030 Islands Network Steering Committee Member will join Tenorio in Guam’s engagements at SIDS4. Shelton serves as the director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, as well as the Guam Green Growth Steering Committee Co-Chair. “We have important lessons to share with other islands through our progress tracked on the Guam Green Growth Dashboard. We also will learn innovations from others to bring back home and accelerate our work,” Shelton said. “I am looking forward to strengthening our partnerships with GLISPA, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Blue Planet Alliance, and others to increase opportunities for our island communities.”  

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The recent Guam Green Growth biannual meeting, held at the Governor’s Complex in December, served as a platform for the different working groups to review progress in 2023 and chart future strategies.

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability facilitates Guam Green Growth, or G3, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.  

During the meeting, G3 working group leads and representatives presented their updates and reports to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who serves as co-chair of the G3 biannual meetings alongside University of Guam President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA.

Highlights from Working Group Presentations:

1. Healthy and Prosperous Communities:

The group reported accomplishments such as the opening of the 3rd G3 community garden in Dededo and the registration of 578 bonafide farmers with the Department of Agriculture. Progress was also noted on initiatives such as the Guam Forest System Plan Economic Impact Statement and the Guam Agriculture Master Plan. Notable opportunities include the ongoing development of the 2050 Guahan Sustainability Plan and substantial federal funding to support local farmers.

2. Educated, Capable, and Compassionate Island:

The group highlighted achievements such as the launch of the UOG Island Wisdom initiative and the groundbreaking of the UOG Student Center, Engineering. They also discussed the Internet for All Guam initiative, aimed at providing digital access to disadvantaged youth, supported by a $156 million grant.

3. Thriving Natural Resources:

The group showcased efforts to preserve Guam’s natural resources. Activities included a successful tree planting event with over 4,400 trees planted in collaboration with various organizations. Additionally, initiatives such as the assessment of Guam’s coral reefs and community engagement on fisheries regulations were discussed. Plans were announced to establish an online repository of articles, journals, and reports related to Guam’s environmental efforts.

4. Sustainable Housing, Utilities, and Transportation:

The group reported the approval of the Guam Tropical Energy Code, which promotes green housing construction. Emerging opportunities include rebate programs for electric motorcycles and provisions for solar energy in government-owned buildings. Possible collaboration with the Mayors’ Council of Guam to provide solar lights for certain facilities was also highlighted. Further opportunities include biodiesel projects and initiatives to utilize closed landfill cells for energy and mitigate contamination rates in waste collection.

5. Sustainable Alliances:

The group reported continued engagement with the United Nations, including efforts to facilitate a visiting mission to Guam. They also reported the launch of Giha Mo’na: A Self-Determination Study for Guahan, along with engagements with community stakeholders for its promotion. Conferences, such as the 2023 Fanhita: Security, Sovereignty, and the Path to Peace, were organized to foster dialogue and collaboration.