UOG announces extension of CIS2026 in partnership with NMC in Saipan

Partners from the University of Guam and Northern Marianas College are pleased to announce the addition of several activities to the CIS2026 agenda that will take place in Saipan. In collaboration with 500 Sails, NMC has prepared sessions and events aimed to continue the discussion of island sustainability from the conference which will be held on Guam. Pictured are UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director for Operations and Development Fran Castro, Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D., NMC-CREES Interim Dean Patricia Coleman, Ph.D., and UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat.

The University of Guam (UOG) has announced an extension of the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2026), expanding the event through April 26 with the addition of two days of programming in Saipan, further strengthening its partnership with Northern Marianas College (NMC).

Originally scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 24, 2026, the conference’s extension reflects growing regional interest and a shared commitment between UOG and NMC to address sustainability challenges unique to island communities across Micronesia.

The additional Saipan-based programming will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, students, and community leaders from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to engage in discussions focused on climate resilience, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

The decision to extend the conference underscores the importance of regional collaboration in addressing island sustainability issues that transcend political and geographic boundaries.

“We have a long standing partnership with Northern Marianas College, and we are so excited to continue building that bond through opportunities like this,” said University of Guam President and CIS2026 co-chairperson Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA. “CIS has always been about island sustainability, and we are excited to now include our CNMI family into one of UOG’s premier annual events.”

By hosting sessions in Saipan, the conference aims to increase access and participation for CNMI-based stakeholders while reinforcing the importance of sustainability research and education.

The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between UOG and NMC that emphasizes workforce development, academic exchange, and community-driven research.

“NMC is ready to continue our support for sustainability throughout the Marianas and Pacific through this partnership with UOG CIS and Sea Grant,” said NMC president Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D. “What a phenomenal way to not only begin a new chapter for our partnership in the Marianas, but highlight our recent Sea Grant status here at NMC with our closest Sea Grant partners in Guam.”

The Conference on Island Sustainability, now in its 17th year, has become a flagship event for the University of Guam, serving as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and practical solutions to the environmental and social challenges facing island communities.

“The expansion of the conference highlights our growing partnership with the Northern Marianas College and our shared responsibility to advance solutions grounded in island knowledge and regional cooperation,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant. “The CNMI Green Growth Initiative is making great strides in sustainability innovation. It will be an exciting experience for CIS2026 participants to join us in the beautiful CNMI.”

Events in Saipan will be organized by the NMC and 500 Sails and will include a cultural seminar, canoe experience, Sea Talks, and a Managaha Conservation Experience.

CIS2026 is presented by the University of Guam CIS & Sea Grant, Guam Power Authority, Guam Southern Soil and Water Conservation District, Guam NSF EPSCoR,The Nature Conservancy and the Office of the Governor.

For registration details including the new NMC and Saipan offerings interested attendees can visit uog.edu/cis2026.