Under the theme “Island Wisdom for a Global Future,” the 11th annual conference will feature sustainability-focused talks by local and international experts.

“Sustainability is more important than ever,” said Governor of Guam Lou Leon Guerrero and UOG President Thomas W. Krise, co-chairs of the conference. “This global COVID-19 disruption is a possible forecast of what is to come with the impacts of climate change and future public health concerns.”

The coronavirus pandemic will be the focus of the first session on May 1, which will open with presentations from the Guam governor and Krise and then feature a panel of environmental and societal leaders from Hawaii, New Zealand, Grenada, and Guam, which will be represented by Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio. The panel will discuss and share solutions, solidarity, and connections in facing COVID-19 as island communities. The panelists are all part of the Local2030 Island Network, a group of islands that came together during the UN General Assembly in 2019 with a commitment to locally implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

To register and find more information on the UOG Virtual Conference Series on Island Sustainability, visit www.uog.edu/cis2020.