Call for Presentation Proposals

Conference abstracts will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2025 (ChST).

Abstracts submissions are now OPEN.

Background

You are invited to submit an abstract to present at the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability no later than 5 p.m. ChST on February 21, 2025. Pre-conference events start on April 7, 2025 followed by the main conference from April 9-11, and post-conference events on April 12 at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Conference theme: Solutions for Our Future

In 2024, we learned that Sustainability Endures, and we must keep paddling.

Entrusted with ancient knowledge passed down from our island ancestors, we continue to carry it forward.

Islands spark creativity for the future of our whole Island Earth.

Inspired with lessons from the highest mountains, deepest seas, and richest cultures, we expand our capacity to discover sustainable, equitable, and prosperous pathways for generations ahead.

In 2025, we innovate and deliver…SOLUTIONS FOR OUR FUTURE

Invitation for Abstract Submissions

The annual University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability is a blend of scholarship, advocacy, and action. We encourage diverse abstract submissions focused on the conference theme, “Solutions for Our Future” from academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, teachers, students, and the general community.

Call for Research: Abstracts of current or recent research findings are requested. These abstracts should include a description of replicable methods that contribute to the understanding of island sustainability challenges.

Call for Action: Abstracts for presentations that will inspire sustainable action in our communities are requested. These submissions should be evidence-based solutions or plans that will contribute to solving the challenges of island sustainability. Case-studies may be included. Please make sure to provide a statement in the abstract that suggests an implementation plan following the conference.

Conference Tracks and Suggested Topics

The 2025 conference tracks align with Categories of Action developed by the Guam Green Growth Working Group to implement the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals in locally and culturally effective ways. Guam Green Growth is the most comprehensive public-private partnership ever created to achieve a sustainable future for Guam. As a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network, Guam collaborates with other islands around the world to create a sustainable global future. The 16th UOG Conference on Island Sustainability will convene islanders and their allies to exchange ideas and launch a wave of sustainability over the next year.

1. Healthy & Prosperous Communities

Overview: In the CHamoru language, Guåhan means “We have.” As an island abundant in resources, our communities have the ability to be healthy and prosperous. Sustainable development requires the reduction of poverty and hunger, addressing the health and well-being of all population groups, and being innovative in the ways our society can promote local industries.

Main Actions: Increasing food security and expanding accessibility to local, nutritious food (community gardens, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture); Creating an environment for innovative local industries that can help us reduce reliance on imports and reduce waste generation; Strengthening prevention efforts and programs that decrease substance use while promoting better health decisions, wellness and affordable care.

Traditionally, our communities are centered around inafa’maolek- the value of making things good using a sense of reciprocity. This cultural value is essential in order to lift up a healthy and prosperous community.

• Increasing access to essential services to vulnerable and marginalized populations
• Increasing food security and accessibility to local, nutritious food
• Protecting our community from disease while addressing high-priority health issues
• Transitioning to the circular economy to design out waste and create new industries
• Achieving increased visitors and revenue while implementing sustainable and responsible practices
• Creating an environment for innovative cottage industries to reduce reliance on imports and reduce waste generation
  
  

2. Educated, Capable & Compassionate Islands

Overview: A capable and compassionate island is enhanced when we use applicable knowledge and develop tools that promote transformative education which encourages the embodiment of amamåhlao, as we teach moral and ethical boundaries within our familial, social, and community relationships.

Main Actions: Improving graduation rates; Developing supplemental curriculum and service-learning opportunities that focus on the locally relevant topics related to the SDGs to create pathways for next generation leaders; Include place-based curriculum in core education and incorporate indigenous knowledge; Improving accessibility to education and workforce development trainings that also promote the creation of innovative and sustainable industries.

Prioritizing education, workforce development, and encouraging equitable and respectful treatment of all members of our society facilitates progress towards the goals of each person and our island. These conscious community practices allow us to provide for ourselves, contribute to our islands, and are built on the value of agofli’e’– to see the good beyond what may seem uncommon, without judgement.

• Engaging our community and K-12 students through innovative lessons and teaching strategies on issues of sustainability
• Building capacity in our region to address sustainability challenges
• Connect the dots for students to major in STEM, sustainability, and green technology fields and ensure local jobs are ready and available for them
• Deploying effective educational outreach strategies to engage the community and inspire sustainable action
  
  

3. Sustainable Homes, Utilities & Transportation

Overview: Our homes protect us and our families. Our utilities ensure we can be healthy, hygienic, comfortable. Our transportation helps us to access our needs and sustain our roles outside of the home. Equitable access to innovative, safe, efficient and affordable housing, electricity, water and transportation is a universal human right.

Main Actions: Our collective responsibility to secure these resources for all is centered around ageftao, where we provide for those who have greater need.

Efficient systems that produce goods, reduce waste, and conserve resources encourages sustainable production and responsible consumption embody a’adahi, where we have care for one another and have respect for our surroundings.

• Sharing innovations in sustainable building materials and design, including homes and infrastructure resilient to climate impacts and disasters
• Addressing affordability of housing and reducing homelessness
• Exploring the current outlook and steps necessary for the 100% renewable energy future of islands · Programs or practices for residential and commercial consumers to use energy sustainably
• Transitioning to zero-emission private and public transportation
  
  

4. Thriving Natural Resources

Overview: Islanders have a rich history of relying on the land and ocean to sustain us, wherein we practice respetu (respect) for ourselves and our environment. Currently, poor development practices, overfishing, land erosion, coral bleaching, invasive species, climate change, and other threats to our environment put our natural resources and biodiversity at risk. Developing long term plans to sustainably use and manage our marine and terrestrial ecosystems will require actions rooted in traditional and modern sustainable practices.

Main Actions: Achieving the goals outlined in the Micronesia Challenge 2030 commitments; Protecting and effectively managing our fisheries; Ramping up watershed restoration and forest conservation; Fostering climate aware and resilient communities.

• Innovations to sustain and restore island biodiversity
• Understanding coral reefs, coral-reef ecology, fish and fisheries biology, oceanography
• Climate change and environmental change outlook and solutions
• Restoring watersheds, ridge-to-reef connections, and reducing land-based sources of pollution
• Innovations in conservation, management, and restoration to promote healthier terrestrial, aquatic, and marine island environments
• Human dimensions and community engagement

Submission

Submit the following at the form below.

1. Author Name(s)
2. Institution or Organization
3. Contact information
4. Title of Presentation
5. Abstract (one paragraph, strict 1,500-character limit)
6. Key takeaway message/call to action (oral presentation only; 1 to 2 sentences)
7. Identify which of the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals the presentation addresses
8. Preferred Presentation Type: oral/workshop/poster
9. Preferred conference track
10. Logistics/equipment or other special requests

Submit Abstracts