UOG celebrates Marshall Islands’ Green Growth launch, highlights regional collaboration
The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) extends its congratulations to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) on the recent launch of their ambitious RMI Green Growth initiative.
This significant step towards a more sustainable future for RMI has been greatly supported by the expertise and collaborative framework of Guam Green Growth (G3) and was first announced during the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025), where RMI President, Her Excellency, Hilda Heine Ed.D., was the keynote speaker.
“The future of our islands depends on the decisions we make today. Our goal is not just to protect what we have, but to create the future where our islands are stronger, our people are empowered, and our way of life can endure,” said Heine at CIS2025.
The RMI Green Growth initiative, was unveiled during the 27th Micronesian Islands Forum held this month in Majuro, marks a pivotal moment for the island nation, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Austin Shelton Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and co-chair of the G3 Steering Committee, expressed his pride in the regional collaboration.
“We are excited for the Republic of the Marshall Islands as they embark on their Green Growth journey,” said Shelton. “The expansion of the Green Growth movement across Micronesia signifies the critical importance of sustainable development for our island communities. Sustainability is ingrained in islands because it has been critical to our survival for millennia. Together, the Pacific is rising to the forefront of global efforts to secure a sustainable future for our planet.”
Guam Green Growth, a comprehensive public-private partnership facilitated by UOG CIS & Sea Grant, has played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for green growth expansion, recently celebrating the launches of CNMI Green Growth and Palau Green Growth initiatives as well.
The G3 team, in collaboration with Hawai’i Green Growth, Hawaii Sea Grant and the Local2030 Islands Network, has provided support in developing RMI’s Green Growth dashboard and assisting with grant-writing efforts to establish a circular economy makerspace in the Marshall Islands.
“As UOG continues to strengthen collaborations throughout Micronesia, we are so happy for our partners in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the launch of their RMI Green Growth initiative. As we stood on stage together earlier this year at CIS2025 and Her Excellency, President Heine announced her commitment to green growth, we offered our support. Now, we see the forward movement we Micronesians are known for, in action. Biba RMI Green Growth and Biba UOG,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enri quez D.B.A.
The RMI Green Growth program is set to continue the nation’s efforts towards a more resilient, prosperous, and inclusive economy. It builds upon RMI’s existing climate change priorities, including their 2050 Climate Strategy which aims for net-zero emissions and 100% renewable energy by 2045.
UOG CIS & Sea Grant remains dedicated to fostering regional partnerships and sharing successful models like G3 to empower other island nations in their pursuit of sustainability. The launch of RMI Green Growth is a testament to the power of collaboration and a promising sign for a more sustainable and resilient Pacific.