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Island Finance Forum 2021

About The Event

The Island Finance Forum brings together senior financiers, development partners and regulators to share and exchange expertise on sustainable and inclusive financial structures in island communities. The Forum aims to highlight the unique financial challenges faced by global island communities and the solutions for sustainable economic recovery and inclusive growth in a post-pandemic world.

This virtual event will be accessible to attendees from across the globe in a variety of interactive sessions, including networking opportunities to meet and exchange ideas face to face or in small groups. Attendees can choose which of the topics and sessions they actively participate in and after the event many will also watch and comment on the session recordings.

The Island Finance Forum will:

1

Bridge the gap between sustainable development practitioners and financial stakeholders.

2

Help island stakeholders access expert knowledge and financial opportunities available to them.

3

Showcase the economic opportunities available from investing in the sustainability sector on islands – particularly impact investing and ESG.

Island Finance Forum 2021

Free Registration!

Register now to attend the various online sessions taking place 13-16 April 2021.

Registration is FREE, but spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now!

Can’t make the live event? No worries! Register for the event, and we’ll send you the replay link after the event. If you can attend live, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions to speakers and interact with other guests.

Please complete your registration today to ensure you get the latest updates, access to the live sessions and copies of the recordings!

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Island Finance Forum 2021

Key Topics

The Island Finance Forum will address the following topics:

Impact Investing & ESG

Climate Change, The Blue Economy & Natural Capital

Insurance & Risk Management

Economic Growth in a Post-Pandemic World

Financing the Green Energy Transition & Low-Carbon Infrastructure

Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies

Access to Finance & Debt Restructuring

Fintech for Financial Inclusion

Island Finance Forum 2021

Meet our Speakers

Hon. Frank Bainimarama

Prime Minister of Fiji

Frank Bainimarama has been the Fijian Prime Minister since 2007. Under his leadership, Fiji has undergone a broad program of social, economic, electoral and constitutional reforms, leading up to the establishment of Fiji’s first genuine parliamentary democracy of equal votes of equal value in 2014.

The Prime Minister is one of the leading global voices calling on the international community to commit to more ambitious targets to curb the carbon emissions that are warming our planet. Joining his fellow leaders from the Pacific, he is committed to drawing global attention to the impact climate change is having on vulnerable communities, including Pacific Islanders and the residents of other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and low-lying areas of the world.

Hon. Frank Bainimarama

Prime Minister of Fiji

Hon. Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Government of Saint Lucia

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert obtained her first degree in Government with first class honours from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, and was awarded a Swiss scholarship in 1996 to pursue a post-graduate diploma in at the Institute of International Relations, St. Augustine. During that period, she won a National Cambridge Commonwealth Scholarship and pursued a Master of Philosophy in International Relations at the University of Cambridge (1998) where she was awarded the title of Sir Patrick Sheehy Scholar. In 2007 she received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in International Relations from UWI St. Augustine and is the author of the book, Bridging the Digital Divide? Prospects for Caribbean Development in the New Techno-economic Paradigm. Dr. Rigobert has previously lectured at the University of the West Indies, served as a member of the Senate, and as an advisor on National Development to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and National Development. Dr. Rigobert’s “call” to politics long preceded her actual entry into the arena in April 2011, literally on the expiration of her one year’s secondment to the Government of Saint Lucia as Advisor on National Development. After a gruelling seven-month campaign, Dr. Rigobert emerged victorious in a three-way fight, beating two other women, incidentally! Dr. Rigobert made history by becoming the youngest and first female Leader of the Opposition in Saint Lucia on 1 February 2014. Following the success of her party (The United Workers Party) at the June 2016 national polls, she was appointed Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development in Saint Lucia. Dr. Rigobert is passionate about infusing the formal curriculum with gender-sensitive learning, with the view to raising a new generation of citizens who have a heightened sense of gender awareness, gender-appropriate behaviours and the importance for the healthy co-existence of the genders. Dr. Rigobert is very cognizant of the overarching goal of sustainable development and what that means especially for small islands states (SIDS) such as Saint Lucia. In that regard, Education, Gender Relations and Innovation are intimately interwoven, and strategic to the quest to leverage science, technology and critical thinking to devise creative and innovative ways to improve the Saint Lucian economy and the wellbeing of the people.
Hon. Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Government of Saint Lucia

Hon. Allen Chastanet

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia

A passionate, dedicated, good team player, client-oriented and strategic planner with more than 15 years of relevant experience. This includes 10 years of specific regional experience in climate finance analysis (using the Pacific Climate Change Finance Assessment Framework) and policy advice to Forum Leaders and Economic Ministers in the Pacific region and internationally (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties - UNFCCC COP negotiations on climate finance since COP18). Exsley has strong experience and familiarity with bilateral and multilateral climate funds, including the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, the Global Environment Facility and the Climate Investment Fund. I have led multi-agency teams to undertake national climate finance assessments/reviews in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and TA secondment on climate finance to the Government of Papua New Guinea. I also participated in similar assessments in Nauru and Tonga. Exsley completed leadership trainings in Fiji and Australia, and presented in a number of regional and international meetings on the climate finance context and trends in the Pacific. As Team Leader for the PIFS Climate Change and Resilience team, I oversee a team of 14 staff and a range of short-term consultants as well as a total budget of F$14 million. My scope of oversight include the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP) and Pacific Resilience Partnership (PRP), private sector engagement in climate finance, disaster risk finance and governance, climate finance-public financial management and climate finance negotiations in the COP.
Hon. Allen Chastanet

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia

Hon. Gaston Browne

Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

During the past eleven years, Browne served as s a senior bank manager with the Swiss American Banking Group managing in excess of $400 million in assets, as Minister of Planning and Trade and Member of Parliament. He is presently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a company involved in construction and land development. Mr. Browne also served as director of several companies including LIAT (1974) Ltd (Aviation), Antigua Pier Group Ltd. Infrastructural Development) and Community Motors Ltd.

Mr. Browne’s motto is “to serve and empower,” a creed by which he lives. This can be seen in his contributions to the empowerment of the people of Point & Villa. He believes in empowerment and is passionately oppose to poverty. MP Browne frequently refers to poverty as the greatest scourge on the planet. Among his achievements at the constituency level are: An EC$30 million Fishery Development Centre, The establishment of a sporting, entertainment and leisure facility at Dredge Bay, An Information Communication Technology Centre in the Point, a Library, Computer Centre at the Villa Primary School and an affordable housing project at Dredge Bay. His achievements during a time of fiscal crisis are remarkable, were as a result of his resolve to succeed and his commitment to serve.

Led by Browne, the ABLP was returned to office in the 12 June 2014 general election after 10 years in opposition, winning 14 out of 17 seats. Browne was sworn in as Prime Minister on 13 June 2014.

Browne successfully led the ABLP to a second consecutive election victory on 21 March 2018. He was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second term on 22 March 2018.

Hon. Gaston Browne

Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur

Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu

A member of the Vanua'aku Pati, he was first elected to Parliament as MP for Tanna in the general election on 6 July 2004. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2012. In March 2013, following a change in government, new Prime Minister Moana Carcasses appointed him Minister for Education.Like other members of the Vanua'aku Pati, he crossed the floor on 15 May 2014 to help bring down the Carcasses government. New Prime Minister Joe Natuman maintained Loughman at his post as Minister for Education. He lost office on 11 June 2015 when the Natuman government was ousted in a motion of no confidence.
Since 2018 he is the leader of the Vanua'aku Pati.
Since 20 April 2020, Loughman has been in office as Prime Minister of Vanuatu.
Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur

Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu

Hon. Curtis Dickinson

Minister of Finance, Government of Bermuda

Mr. Curtis L. Dickinson was elected to the House of Assembly on June 7, 2018 to represent Constituency 25 – Warwick North East. He is currently employed as the Group Head of Private Banking at Butterfield Bank. He is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance. He furthered his studies at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business where he received a Master of Business Administration degree. Prior to his return to Bermuda in 2006, Mr. Dickinson worked in the United States and the United Kingdom as an investment banker raising capital for companies in the media & telecommunications and consumer & retail industries with Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Wells Fargo Securities. Mr. Dickinson currently serves as the chairman of the Bermuda Hospitals Board and is a trustee of the Montessori Education Trust. Previously he served as chairman of the Board of Education, deputy chairman of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and director of the Bermuda Land Development Company.
Hon. Curtis Dickinson

Minister of Finance, Government of Bermuda

Angella Rainford

CEO and Founder, Soleco Energy

Angella is the founder of Soleco and Rekamniar Frontier Ventures (“Rekamniar”). Rekamniar co-developed one of the largest solar plants in the Caribbean and the largest in Jamaica (51 MWp). Prior to this, Angella worked at Goldman Sachs in the Merchant Banking division (Principal Investment Area) in London and New York.

Prior to joining Goldman, she worked as part of the portfolio team at Sterling Stamos, a private investment management firm specialized in alternative and multi-asset investment solutions. She began her career as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company in New York.

Angella has served as an advisor to Helios Investment Partners, a $3.0 billion private equity fund based in London focused on investments in Africa. She is also served on the Board of Directors for GK Capital Management, the financial advisory and investment arm of the GraceKennedy Group, and currently is a Director of PanJam Investment Limited, GK UK Foods, and JN Money Services, a subsidiary of the Jamaica National Building Society.

Angella holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge. She also graduated with a BA (magna cum laude) in Government from Harvard College.

Angella has travelled to >70 countries and lived on 3 continents. She is a keen motorcyclist, classical pianist, and has her private pilot license. She has also climbed 3 of the 7 summits.

Angella Rainford

CEO and Founder, Soleco Energy

Hon. Rui Augusto Gomes

Minister of Finance, Government of Timor-Leste

H.E. Rui A.Gomes was recently appointed asthe Minister of Finance of the VIII Constitutional Government. Minister Gomes was also the Minister of Planning and Finance during the VII Constitutional Government. Prior to this, Minister Gomes was the ChiefofStaff andEconomic Advisor to the then President of Republic, who is the current PM of the VIII Government H.E. General Taur Matan Ruak. Minister Gomes was the Economic Advisor to the current President of Republic H.E. Dr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo” from 2018-2020. Minister Gomes was the Economic Specialist at UNDP Resource Center based in Bangkok and Assistant Country Director ofUNDP Timor-Leste. Most recently, Minister Gomes was the President of the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) Commission within the realm of Covid-19 pandemic upon nomination by H.E. Prime Minister and the ERP was approved by the Council of Ministers. Minister Gomes has over 25 years of experience in working and researching in the areas of economic development, poverty reduction and human development. Minister Gomes earned his PhD in Development Economics from the London South Bank University in London, England, UK.
Hon. Rui Augusto Gomes

Minister of Finance, Government of Timor-Leste

Rt. Hon. Lord Zac Goldsmith

UK Minister for Pacific & the Environment

Frank Zacharias Robin Goldsmith, Baron Goldsmith of Richmond Park PC (born 20 January 1975) is a British politician and journalist who serves as Minister of State for Pacific and the Environment. He was Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond Park from 2017 to 2019, previously holding the seat between 2010 and 2016. A member of the Conservative Party, he was its candidate at the 2016 London mayoral election, which he lost to Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party. Ideologically characterised as having liberal and libertarian views, Goldsmith is known for his support for environmentalism, localism and Brexit.
Rt. Hon. Lord Zac Goldsmith

UK Minister for Pacific & the Environment

Sandra Uwantege Hart

Blockchain Innovations & Cash Transfer Lead, Oxfam

Sandra is Rwandan-American and has 10+ of experience in natural disaster response and humanitarian work across the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, West Africa and Southeast Asia, including in microfinance, the UN and INGOs. She is currently the creator and lead of Oxfam’s award-winning UnBlocked Cash Project, the world’s first crypto-enabled digital cash assistance programme, involving and 19 organisations serving over 16,000 people across 3 countries. Sandra is also a panel expert for the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum and a Regional Ambassador to the Pacific for the Global Blockchain Business Council. She is also the co-founder of Emerging Impact, a blockchain for social impact advisory firm.
Sandra Uwantege Hart

Blockchain Innovations & Cash Transfer Lead, Oxfam

Hon. Vittus Qujaukitsoq

Minister of Finance & Mineral Resources, Government of Greenland

Qujaukitsoq was appointed as Minister of Finance and Interior of Aleqa Hammond cabinet from May 2013 to November 2014. After November 2014 to 2017 Qujaukitsoq was Minister of Industry, Labour, Trade and Foreign Affairs of Kim Kielsen cabinet. After disagreements on complaint to United Nations for environmental restoration of former U.S. Military installations in Greenland. He was previously a member of Siumut, and served as Minister of Industry, Labour, Trade and Foreign Affairs, caretaker as Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs on two occasions during 2014-2017 in the Kielsen government.

He founded the patriotic party Nunatta Qitornai in March 2018 prior to the Parliamentary election in April 2018.

Vittus Qujaukitsoq was elected to Greenland Parliament on behalf of Nunatta Qitornai, and was appointed as Minister of Mineral Resources and Labour in May 2018 in Kim Kielsen government III. He then was appointed as Minister of Finance and Nordic Cooperation in October 2018. After the cabinet was including the Demokraatit, Qujaukitsoq has been Minister of Finance since October 2019.

Hon. Vittus Qujaukitsoq

Minister of Finance & Mineral Resources, Government of Greenland

Sharmyn Powell

Chief Risk Officer, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)

Ms Sharmyn Powell has been employed at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank for the past 24 years and currently holds the position of Chief Risk Officer. She leads the Office of Corporate Strategy and Risk Management with responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Strategic Plan development and monitoring and Business Continuity Management. Prior to assuming this role, she served in various capacities at the Bank including, Deputy Director, Accounting Department, Director, Currency Management Department and Director, Support Services Management Department. She is the Chairperson of the Bank’s internal Fintech Working Group, which is leading the implementation of the pilot project for the issuance of a block-chain based digital version of the EC Currency.

Ms Powell is a Certified Accountant (ACCA), and also carries the designations of Chartered Director (C. Dir) and Audit Committee Certified (A.C.C).

Sharmyn Powell

Chief Risk Officer, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)

Jackie Marati

Senior Vice President, Bank of Guam

Jacqueline (“Jackie”) A. Marati is the eldest of the eight children of former Speaker Joaquin C. Arriola and former Senator Elizabeth P. Arriola. She attended Cathedral Grade School and graduated salutatorian from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 1972. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Vassar College in 1976, where she was student government secretary from 1975-1976 and class president from 1977-1986.

Marati began her career at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City as a Credit Officer and Management Trainee. She moved to San Francisco and after four years became Vice President of the Retail Banking Group at Wells Fargo Bank. She then co-founded EM & T Corporation, a telecommunications and office systems company in which she was director of Administration and Finance, Operations and Sales.

Jackie Marati

Senior Vice President, Bank of Guam

Hon Minister Pearnel Charles

Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jamaica

Pearnel P. Charles Jr. serves the people of Jamaica as a Senator and the Minister Without Portfolio at the Office of the Prime Minister. Mr. Charles has specific responsibility for Housing and Water.

He served as the Jamaica Labour Party Deputy Spokesperson for National Security in 2014, advocating for progressive policies to effect sustainable reduction in crime and violence as well as the introduction of innovative technology to support and advance the efforts of the security forces.

Senator Charles is an Attorney-at-Law with qualification to practice law in Jamaica and the United States of America (New York Bar). Throughout his professional career he has served with distinction as a Judicial Clerk, Senior Clerk of Court and Crown Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Most recently, he served as the Lead Counsel and Managing Attorney of The Law Offices of Pearnel P. Charles Jr., P.A.

Minister Charles earned two honours degrees from the University of the West Indies; a Bachelor of Science (double major in Biochemistry and Zoology) and a Bachelor of Laws.

As a student he distinguished himself as a bold and active leader. Consequently he was elected to several representative positions including President of the Law Society and President of the Guild of Students; the chief voice for the student population and representative to the University Council. For his service he received awards for excellence in leadership and was nominated to the renowned Global Leadership Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders, 2001, US Virgin Islands.

More than a decade ago Senator Charles completed his legal training at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, where he received the Certificate of Legal Education and was awarded the Hon. Mr. Justice Kenneth Smith, O.J. Prize, the Hon. Mrs. Justice Madge Morgan Prize and the Norman Manley Law School prize for Community Service.

He went on to pursue a Master of Laws degree at The George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C. where he was awarded the Thomas Buergenthal Scholarship for academic performance.

The son of a politician and registered nurse, Pearnel Charles Jr. was born to serve. His passion for community service is a demonstration of his character as he has participated in several workshops, outreach programs and community development drives geared towards uplifting underserved communities and protecting the most vulnerable. His spirit of volunteerism motivated him to form Impact Productions, a company used to raise funds for sports development projects. He has continued, through other outlets, to serve the interest and welfare of students and his community as a Mooting court judge, motivational speaker and volunteer to voting rights campaigns and immigration clinics.

In his leisure time Senator Charles enjoys music, soccer and reading. He is married with three children and continues to actively participate in community activities.

Hon Minister Pearnel Charles

Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jamaica

Angelique Pouponneau

CEO, Seychelles Conservation & Climate Adaptation Trust

Angelique Pouponneau is CEO of Seychelles’ Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust, barrister and attorney at law. She is a legal expert in climate change, oceans and global commons. She is a speaker on youth, Blue Economy, Islanders' rights in the face of rising sea levels, climate change, and legal barriers to gender equality.
Angelique Pouponneau

CEO, Seychelles Conservation & Climate Adaptation Trust

Hon Steven Myers

Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Government of Prince Edward Island

Steven Myers was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015 and 2019. In May 2019, he was appointed Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy.
Steven has served as Leader of the Opposition, Opposition House Leader and as Opposition Critic for Education, Economic Development and Tourism, Transportation, and Rural Development. As Opposition Education Critic, he was instrumental in helping prevent the closure of several schools across Prince Edward, including Georgetown Elementary.
Steven’s community involvement includes Past President of Cardigan Minor Ball and Montague Minor Hockey, Chair of the Cardigan Ball Field Renovations Committee and the 2011 Midget Female Atlantics Host Committee, as well as Board Member of the Cardigan Communities Development Association and the PEI Minor Hockey Council.
Steven has four children, Brad, Luke and twins Mila and Arthur, and lives with his partner Sheryl in Burnt Point.
Hon Steven Myers

Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Government of Prince Edward Island

George Siosi Samuels

Managing Director, Faiā

George Siosi Samuels is the Managing Director of Faia, a consultancy for high-growth startups and communities. He helps entrepreneurs and professionals get back on path by building productive communities. Having been named one of Australia's Top Community Builders by Pause Fast, and featured by the likes of Adobe, Slack, and Foundr, he constantly looks for ways to build communities that last.
Thanks to his diverse career, unique upbringing, and Polynesian roots, George understands the concept of community as a part of his culture. With time, he extended his understanding into a strong concept-driven approach to community building for various startups including Draper Startup House (previously Tribe Theory Startup Hostels), co-working spaces such as Dimension⁵ and Hub Australia, and legal tech firms such as LawAdvisor.
With more than 7 years of experience across SEA and Australia as a community builder, George is a true expert at building communities for ventures and loves motivating people into action.
George Siosi Samuels

Managing Director, Faiā

Chantal Dagnaud

President, Institutions & Strategies SAS

Chantal Dagnaud is a lawyer in European public law and a consulting engineer in international affairs. She specializes in international project management, public-private co-financing, European grants, and lobbying.
Chantal Dagnaud

President, Institutions & Strategies SAS

Johannes Zutt

Director of the Strategy, Risk, Results and Learning Department at The World Bank

Johannes Zutt became the Director for Strategy, Results, and Risk in the World Bank’s Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) vice presidency in January 2019.

In this role, Zutt focuses on strengthening the results focus and managing the risks of World Bank operations as well as the overall staff learning program. He also plays a key role in various strategic engagements, including for IDA.

Before joining OPCS, Zutt served as the World Bank’s Country Director for Turkey. Previously, he held several other Country Director positions for: Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles and Somalia; and also for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

In 2008, he served as the acting head of the Department of Integrity (INT), the anti-corruption unit of the World Bank Group, and prior to that, as the Adviser to one of the Bank’s two Managing Directors.

From 2000 to 2006, he worked as the Country Program Coordinator for Angola, China, Malawi, Mongolia, Mozambique, and Zambia, as well as the team leader for numerous country strategies and projects.

A Dutch national, Zutt joined the World Bank in 1999. He has a J.D. from Harvard University and a D.Phil. (in philosophy) from the University of Oxford.

Johannes Zutt

Director of the Strategy, Risk, Results and Learning Department at The World Bank

Kaye-Anne Brathwaite

CEO, Invest Barbados

Kaye-Anne Brathwaite holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting, as well as a Master of Science in Business and Financial Economics. An Economist by training, she worked as a Senior Economist in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs until 2007. Desirous of learning all aspects of Business and Finance, she then entered the world of banking and credit.

During her twelve year stint in banking, the former executive banker managed an extensive portfolio, providing financial and investment solutions to players in a wide range of industries.

In September 2019, Kaye assumed the role of CEO of Invest Barbados, the national investment promotion agency.

Kaye has a love for teaching and this aspect of her life began in 1995. She is currently a certified online lecturer/ facilitator with the Cave Hill School of Business, University of the West Indies. She believes that knowledge should be shared and the greatest satisfaction one can have, is knowing that the knowledge imparted has charted the course of success for the recipient.

Kaye-Anne Brathwaite

CEO, Invest Barbados

Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu

High Representative, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, UN-OHRLLS

Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu is the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. She assumed her role in May 2017.

Ms. ‘Utoikamanu is responsible for monitoring and following up on the implementation of all three Programmes of Action under the purview of UN-OHRLLS. She is also called on to advocate for the issues and concerns of these vulnerable countries as well as to ensure their integration into and coherence with global processes, including those related to the 2030 Agenda and other global development frameworks. Ms. ‘Utoikamanu also coordinates advocacy work related to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in forums and platforms outside the United Nations.

Prior to joining the United Nations, Ms. ‘Utoikamanu was Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, Tonga; Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council of the University of the South Pacific (2015); Deputy Pro-Chancellor and Deputy Chair of the Council of the University of the South Pacific (2009-2016); Deputy Director General and Director of Education, Training and Human Development of the Secretariat of Pacific Community (2009-2015); Permanent Representative and Ambassador of the Government of Tonga to the United Nations, United States of America, Cuba and Venezuela and High Commissioner to Canada (2005-2009); and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and European Commission’s National Authorizing Officer for Tonga (2002-2005).

A Tongan national, Ms. ‘Utoikamanu speaks Tongan and English. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics (1980) and a Masters in Commerce in Economics (1983) from the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu

High Representative, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, UN-OHRLLS

Yabanex Batista

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Caribbean Biodiversity Fund

Yabanex Batista is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund where he oversees operations and development of new initiatives. With over 20 years of experience he has focused his career on international financing institutions and sustainable financing for conservation and development, government relations and policy, and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). He has extensive experience on environmental negotiations, establishment of conservation trust funds and other financial mechanisms, fundraising and resources mobilization, and climate change adaptation and mitigation in Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa.

Prior to joining the CBF he worked for GITEC/GIZ (German Government Technical Cooperation Agency) in Mexico, The Nature Conservancy’s International Government Relations Department and Europe Office, the World Bank-GEF Unit, the United States Geological Survey, and IPAM (Amazon Environmental Research Institute) in Brazil. He holds an MA in International Relations and Environmental Policy from Boston University.

Yabanex Batista

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Caribbean Biodiversity Fund

Vanessa Hartman

Portfolio Manager in the Natural Resources & Agriculture Division for Latin American & the Caribbean (LAC), KfW

Vanessa Hartman is a Portfolio Manager in the Natural Resources & Agriculture Division for Latin American & the Caribbean (LAC) at the German Development Bank KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau). In this role she manages KfW’s marine conservation projects in LAC with a strong focus on working with regional conservation trust funds and promoting sustainable conservation financing.
Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in International Economics & Public Policy with a concentration in Development Economics from the University of Mainz, Germany. Before joining KfW in 2019, she has been working for the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) as well as in the private sector.
Vanessa Hartman

Portfolio Manager in the Natural Resources & Agriculture Division for Latin American & the Caribbean (LAC), KfW

Ambassador Solo Mara

Secretary General, Pacific Islands Development Forum

As the Secretary General, Ambassador Mara has overall responsibility for the management and administration of the Pacific Island Development Forum Secretariat to support members through regional leadership, genuine partnerships and innovative mechanisms, reporting to the Governing Council.
Ambassador Solo Mara

Secretary General, Pacific Islands Development Forum

Dr Martin Kimmig

Chief Risk Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Kimmig heads AIIB’s Risk Management Department. His main responsibilities are to ensure the stability and financial continuity of AIIB. He oversees risk capital allocation and utilization, manages financial and non-financial risks, including reputational consequences, as well as fosters a strong risk culture throughout the Bank. He further oversees the Bank’s compliance and integrity function assuring KYC/AML/Financial Crime and sanction compliance. Before joining AIIB in September 2016, he was with the Rock Creek Group where he served as Managing Director covering emerging market equities. Previously, he spent 24 years at the World Bank, primarily at the International Finance Corporation, where he held leadership positions in both investment operations and risk management. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Freiburg, Germany. Kimmig is from Germany.
Dr Martin Kimmig

Chief Risk Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Karen Panton

Executive Director, Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)

Karen Panton is the Executive Director of Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF). Karen began as an auditor at Deloitte, subsequently moving into financial and accounting support to quasi-government corporations and non-profits in Nassau, The Bahamas and Jamaica. Prior to her new role with BPAF, she was the Director of Finance and Operations at the Bahamas National Trust, also serving as the Trust’s appointed director to the BPAF Board. Karen was also the Director of Finance for the Nature Conservancy’s Caribbean Program (supporting country programs within the Caribbean as well as program offices in Latin America). She also served as the Financial Representative for the Caribbean Challenge Initiative. Karen studied Accounting at the then College of the Bahamas and the University of Miami. More recently, she attended the University of Liverpool, securing an MBA with a concentration in Finance and Accounting.
Karen Panton

Executive Director, Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)

Adam Borison

Senior Vice President, Nathan Associates

Dr. Borison, Nathan Senior Vice President, is an internationally recognized consultant, academic, and entrepreneur. He has deep academic qualifications and professional experience in economics, engineering, and mathematics, and more than 30 years of experience applying advanced methods to planning and operations in power, fuels, and transport. He has broad experience across a wide range of geographies, technologies, and applications, with a particular focus on renewable generation and transportation electrification. In recent work, Dr. Borison supported independent wind/solar/battery development; analyzed renewable energy market entry strategies; evaluated EV incentive programs, designed custom transportation electrification rates, and developed country-level electric mobility strategies and roadmaps. His work is described further on Nathan’s transportation electrification webpage: https://www.nathaninc.com/transportation-electrification/
Adam Borison

Senior Vice President, Nathan Associates

Astrid Zwick

Head of InsuResilience Secretariat

Since January 2017 Head of InsuResilience Secretariat supporting the V20-G20 led InsuResilience Global Partnership in its goal to foster climate and disaster risk fi-nance and insurance.
From 2010 to 2016 Head of Department “Corporate Responsibility” of Munich Re Group in charge of set up and implementation of the Corporate Responsibility Strat-egy. She also chaired the UN Environment Finance Initiative’s Principles for Sustain-able Insurance Working Group (2010 to 2012). Among several other tasks Astrid Zwick was Member of the Board of the University Society of the Munich Ludwig Max-imilians University and Member of the Board of a Foundation promoting voluntary social engagement. From 2000 to 2010 she headed the Allianz Group Sustainability Office. She was chairing the Steering Committee “Research for Sustainability” of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (2005 to 2008).
From 1994 to 1999 she joined the European Commission Institute for Technological Prospective Studies in charge of policy advice on climate change to the Commission Services and among others to WHO.
Holding a doctoral degree in climate change research (Institute for Ecological Chem-istry/GSF, Helmholtz Center, Munich and Technical University, Munich-Weihenstephan) and a diploma in Geology/Paleontology (Ludwigs-Maximilians-University, Munich).
Astrid Zwick

Head of InsuResilience Secretariat

Kalsey Belle

Coverage Officer, Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank

Upon graduating as a mechanical engineer from University College London in 2015, Kalsey commenced her professional career in the utilities sector in Seychelles, striving towards making utility services more energy efficient, affordable and accessible to all. Having gained experience working in a multilateral environment at the European Commission, Kalsey has recently joined the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank as a Coverage Officer, structuring Trade Finance and Project Infrastructure Finance facilities.
Alongside her professional career, Kalsey is determined to tackle global challenges and contribute towards the empowerment of youth. She is an active volunteer of the youth-led NGO, SYAH-Seychelles, which promotes sustainable development. Alongside her role as President of SYAH-Seychelles, she has coordinated 4 successful editions of the Blue Economy Internship Programme and pioneered the Seychellois Youth in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (SySTEM) Programme. To give Seychellois youth a voice, Kalsey also started a nationwide TV programme ‘Zenn Koze’ that provided a platform for youth to discuss and debate national policies, topical issues and challenges. In 2019, she undertook a 5-week expedition on the remote island of Aldabra where she and 11 other volunteers collected 25tons of marine debris and raised awareness on its impact on the environment.
Kalsey has been recognized as an Associate Fellow of The Royal Commonwealth Society and has served on the Blue Grants Fund Committee and the national Committee for Seychelles Vision 2033.
Kalsey Belle

Coverage Officer, Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank

John Miller

President, Board Director, & Co-Founder, Mana Pacific

John has 20 years of energy & microgrid industry experience in the Pacific, in isolated, and in high-risk regions. John is skilled in strategic planning, transformative business models, international business & logistics, entrepreneurship, and utility RE project development and financing. John was mentored by Utu Abe Malae who was Executive Director of the American Samoa Power Authority, working to combat critical environmental challenges in American Samoa and greater Polynesia.
John Miller

President, Board Director, & Co-Founder, Mana Pacific

Alexandra Almeida

Senior Officer, Lending Operations in Latin America and Caribbean, European Investment Bank

Alexandra Almeida is a Senior Officer responsible for public sector operations in the Caribbean and Latin America at the European Investment Bank’s headquarters in Luxembourg. The EIB is the bank of the European Union, owned by the 27 EU Member States. As the world's largest multilateral lender, it has become the EU Climate Bank, aligning all of its activities with the objectives outlined in the Paris agreement. Among other things, the EIB has committed to support €1 trillion of investments in climate action and environmental sustainability in the next
decade.

Having previously worked on macroeconomic research in a unit of rating agency Standard & Poor’s in New York City and London and in corporate banking in Portugal, financing EIB projects was a natural progression for Alexandra. Before her present role, Alexandra worked as Senior Officer for operations in Central and South Eastern Europe, Senior Transaction Manager in EIB’s Project Finance/PPPs Department and was the Head of EIB’s Representation in Portugal.

Her proudest achievements include financing initiatives to accelerate the green transition, improve mobility, modernise schools and support access to finance to Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. She also contributes to a pioneering work programme to increase access to finance for women-owned, women-led and women-supporting enterprises.

She graduated in Economics in 1997 from the Faculty of Economics of Porto and holds a Post-Graduation in Finance from the Faculty of Economics of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, which she complemented with executive programs from Harvard and INSEAD. Portuguese is her native language but she speaks fluently English, French and Spanish and has good knowledge of Italian.

Alexandra Almeida

Senior Officer, Lending Operations in Latin America and Caribbean, European Investment Bank

Angus Young

CEO, NCB Global Finance

Angus P. Young joined the NCB Financial Group (‘NCBFG’) in 2014 as Chief Executive Officer of NCB Global Finance Ltd. In 2018, Angus was also appointed Regional Head of Investment Banking at NCB Capital Markets Ltd and maintains dual roles within the NCBFG. Angus is also a Director of both NCB Global Finance Ltd and NCB Capital Markets (Barbados) Ltd. Prior to joining the NCBFG, Angus served as the Managing Director of BDO Financial Advisory Services Ltd., which represents BDO’s corporate finance and transaction advisory interest in Trinidad & Tobago.
Before joining BDO, Angus was Vice President of Business Development at First Global (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd. where he was charged with the responsibility of Corporate Finance and Capital Market origination in T&T and Jamaica. Prior to FGTT, Angus spent four years at RBTT Merchant Bank Ltd. in leadership roles including Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager of Capital Market Origination where he covered the OECS territories and Guyana. In the past, Angus has served as a Director of the Securities Dealers Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Angus holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administrative and Commercial Studies (Financial and Economic Studies) from the University of Western Ontario and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University, School of Business and Economics, Ontario.
Angus Young

CEO, NCB Global Finance

Island Finance Forum 2021

Agenda

Tuesday

April 13, 2021

Opening Networking Session – Sponsored by Invest Barbados at 09:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 14:00pm BST (London), 11:00pm AEST (Sydney)

An interactive networking session where attendees can move from table to table and meet key stakeholders from across the globe, engage with one another and make connections.

Roundtable: Financing a Blue-Green Recovery for the Caribbean at 11:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 16:00pm BST (London), 1:00am AEST (Sydney – Next day)

The Financing a Blue-Green Recovery for the Caribbean session invites key stakeholders from across the region to workshop opportunities to develop ocean investment around the region. This is an invitation-only event open to Caribbean stakeholders working on Blue Economy and adjacent sectors.

The interactive session will bring together finance and policymakers aiming to create specific outputs and recommendations to develop the Blue Economy across all countries and territories in the Caribbean.

Moderator: James Ellsmoor, Founder & CEO, Island Innovation

Speakers:

  • Christian Peter, Practice Manager for the Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy’s Global Platform Unit, World Bank
  • Dr. Angus Friday, Blue Economy Director, Waitt Institute
  • Gözde Kurusoy, Director of Banking and Financing, MPC Capital
  • Timar Jackson, Manager, Origination and Structuring, NCB Capital Markets

New Opportunities to Access Capital and Investment for SMEs – Sponsored by NCB Capital Markets Ltd at 15:00 pm EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 20:00 pm BST (London), 05:00 am AEST (Sydney – Next Day)

Small and medium enterprises are poised to drive economic growth in the 21st century, especially on islands where market size may be limited. In order to do so, these institutions are seeking access to capital and funding in new and innovative ways. Join this panel to hear from leaders of SMEs and funding institutions to discuss the role that these organizations play in island economies and how they can contribute to creating more prosperous nations.

Moderator: Alicia D. Nicholls, Trade Researcher at Shridath Ramphal Centre, UWI

Speakers:

  • Kenneth Green, Managing Partner, Advance Global Partners
  • Angus Young, CEO, NCB Global Finance
  • Betty Fausta, CEO, IEPOS
  • Catherine Sumpter, Vice-Chair of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council
  • Ife Badejo, Co-founder / Executive Producer, Islandpreneur Network

Wednesday

April 14, 2021

Official Opening Plenary to the Island Finance Forum 2021 at 08:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 13:00pm BST (London), 22:00pm AEST (Sydney)

The Opening Plenary will set the tone and frame the discussions throughout the Island Finance Forum 2021. The plenary will feature keynote addresses from island leaders to discuss the macroeconomic issues facing island communities, with a focus on offering long-term solutions to aid a sustainable and resilient economic future.

Moderator: James Ellsmoor, Founder & CEO, Island Innovation

Speakers:

  • Hon. Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
  • Hon. Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji
  • Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
  • Hon. Bob Loughman Weibur, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu
  • Hon. Lord Zac Goldsmith, Minister for Pacific & Environment, UK Government
  • Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, UN-OHRLLS
  • Riad Meddeb, Senior Principal Advisor for Small Island Developing States / Climate Investment Platform Global Lead, UNDP

Investing in Transportation Electrification: Building the Business Case for E-Mobility – Sponsored by Nathan Associates at 10:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 15:00pm BST (London), 00:00am AEST (Sydney) (Next day)

There is growing recognition that we can’t solve the climate change problem without addressing transportation, and electric mobility is now seen as essential for long-term global sustainability. Islands represent a unique electric mobility conundrum. On the plus side, they tend to be relatively small so range issues are reduced, they have high fossil fuel prices so electric vehicle (EV) economics are more favorable, and many island governments have committed to a low or zero carbon future. On the minus side, high electricity rates, high EV prices, limited infrastructure and small economies represent a considerable barrier to widespread EV adoption. This panel will discuss how, given these pros and cons, the business case is currently being built for electric mobility investments on islands. Panel members will include representatives of multilateral development banks, commercial banks, private developers/investors and utilities. The panel is intended to help inform and inspire those who want to move electric mobility forward on islands and elsewhere.

Moderator: Adam Borison, Senior Vice President, Nathan Associates

Speakers:

  • Marcelino Madrigal, Principal Energy Specialist, Energy Division, Inter-American Development Bank
  • Jo Edghill, Co-Founder & Director, Megapower Ltd
  • Eric Wenick, Founder and General Partner, ‎WRB Serra Partners
  • Hon. Steven Myers, Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Government of Prince Edward Island
  • Roger Todd, Director of the Department of Public Transportation, Government of Bermuda

Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth in a Post-Pandemic World: The Island Scenario at 12:00 pm EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 17:00pm BST (London), 02:00am AEST (Sydney) (Next Day)

Islands globally have faced an incredibly challenging period under the pandemic, particularly with many relying on the tourism industry as a major source of income. The small size and industry-specific dependencies of many islands provide particularly unique challenges for sustainable development. This session will explore approaches and solutions for economic recovery and inclusive growth in a post-pandemic world.

Moderator: Chantal Dagnaud, President, Institutions & Strategies SAS

Speakers:

  • Kaye-Anne Brathwaite, CEO, Invest Barbados
  • Alexandra Almeida, Senior Officer Lending Operations, Latin America and Caribbean – Public Sector Division, European Investment Bank
  • Vanessa Toré, Director Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao
  • Amb. Dr. Jocelyne Clarke-Fletcher, Ambassador for Diaspora, Government of Saint Lucia

Networking Session – Sponsored by Invest Barbados at 16:00 pm EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 21:00pm BST (London), 06:00am AEST (Sydney) (Next day)

An interactive networking session where attendees can move from table to table and meet key stakeholders from across the globe, engage with one another and make connections.

Pacific Islands Energy Roundtable (Invitation-Only) – Sponsored by Mana Pacific at 18:00 pm EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 12:00pm HST (Honolulu), 23:00pm BST (London), 08:00am AEST (Sydney – Next day), 10am FJT (Fiji – Next day)

The Pacific Islands Energy Roundtable invites key stakeholders from the 22 Pacific Island Nations to plan and execute a cohesive strategy to adopt resilient solutions for the Pacific. This is an invitation only event available to individuals and organizations working on island resiliency initiatives in the Pacific.

The roundtable will centre on the participant’s creation of tangible and actionable solutions that address the Pacific’s resilience needs. There are 4 key topics that will be covered during the session:
– Cost-Effective Standardized Renewable Energy Systems in the Pacific Islands
– Regional Coordination
– Access to capital
– Geopolitics

MC: Joe Reed, CEO Mana Pacific

Moderator: Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Pacific Journalist

Speakers:

  • John Miller, Co-Founder, Mana Pacific
  • MK Merrigan, Co-Founder, Mana Pacific
  • Henk Rogers, President, Blue Planet Alliance
  • Terry Tamminen, Founder 7th Generation Advisors / Clean Energy Access Fund
  • Ambassador Solo Mara, Secretary General, Pacific Islands Development Forum
  • Denton Rarawa, Senior Economic Adviser Economics, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
  • Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, Regional Director for Polynesia, Pacific Community (SPC)

Practical Applications of Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies for Sustainable Development on Islands at 20:00 pm EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 01:00am BST (London) (next day), 10:00am AEST (Sydney) (next day)

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies have the potential to be revolutionary technologies, believed by many as being key future components in accelerating the attainment of the SDGs. Blockchain technology can be utilised in many important ways, such as building transparent and resilient supply chains including tracking vaccine delivery and facilitating transparency in pricing. Cryptocurrencies could become an important element in direct aid transfer, authenticated by blockchain, as well as a method of financing the SDGs. This session will explore specific case studies for implementing blockchain on islands.

Moderator: Stefen Deleveaux, President, Caribbean Blockchain Alliance

Speakers:

  • Sharmyn Powell, Chief Risk Officer, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
  • Sandra Uwantege Hart, Blockchain Innovations & Cash Transfer Lead, Oxfam
  • George Siosi Samuels, Managing Director, Faiabrand Pte Ltd (“Faiā”)
  • Simon Chantry, Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer, Bitt

Thursday

April 15, 2021

Financing the Green Energy Transition & Low-Carbon Infrastructure – Sponsored by CAMCO at 06:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 11:00am BST (London), 20:00pm AEST (Sydney)

Sustainable finance and infrastructure investment play a critical role in accelerating the transition to a green energy and low carbon future. In this session leading experts will discuss how to accelerate the development of renewables and other green infrastructure for islands.

Moderator: Kalsey Belle, Coverage Officer, Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank

Speakers:

  • Geoff Sinclair, Managing Director, Camco
  • Exsley Taloiburi, Team Leader – Resilience and Climate Change Finance Adviser, Pacific Islands Forum
  • Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, International Finance Corporation
  • Ahmed Badr, Acting Director, Project Facilitation & Support, IRENA

Ministerial Roundtable – Economy and Sustainability for Global Islands at 08:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 13:00pm BST (London), 22:00pm AEST (Sydney)

Sustainable and inclusive economic practices are a critical goal in the continued and equitable development of island nations. This session will bring together Ministers of island nations for an exchange on government strategies towards sustainable economic growth.

Moderator: Dr. Francesco Sindico, Director, Strathclyde Centre for Environmental law and Governance (SCELG)

Speakers:

  • Hon. Curtis Dickinson, Finance Minister, Government of Bermuda
  • Hon. Rui Augusto Gomes, Minister of Finance, Government of Timor-Leste
  • Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Government of Saint Lucia
  • Hon. Osvaldo Tavares Vaz, Minister of Finance, Planning and Blue Economy, Government of São Tomé and Príncipe

The Future of Innovative Finance Mechanisms for Ocean Conservation – Sponsored by Caribbean Biodiversity Fund at 10:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 15:00pm BST (London), 00:00am AEST (Sydney) (Next day)

As islands, our Exclusive Economic Zones in many cases have at least equal if not an excess of terrestrial space to marine areas. As a result, health and conservation of the seas and marine areas is inextricably linked. The aim of the session is to hear some of the on-the-ground experiences, lessons learnt and best practices that have been developed from the presenters and to challenge the panel to consider ideas of new/potential financial mechanisms given emerging trends including the global pandemic and Blue Economy research and development as we work towards the 2030 and 2050 biodiversity targets.

Moderator: Vanessa Hartmann, Portfolio Manager, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Latin America & the Caribbean, KfW Development Bank

Speakers:

  • Hon Minister Pearnel Charles, Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jamaica
  • Yabanex Batista, CEO, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF)
  • Karen Panton, Executive Director of Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)
  • Willy Kostka, Executive Director, Micronesia Conservation Trust
  • Angelique Pouponneau, CEO, Seychelles Conservation & Climate Adaptation Trust
  • Pierre Bardoux-Chesneau, Head of Global Team – Grant, Global Fund for Coral Reefs

Debt and Access to Finance for Small Island Developing States in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond at 12:00 pm EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 17:00pm BST (London), 02:00am AEST (Sydney) (Next day)

Access to finance is a critical issue for countries rebuilding their economies and to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This session will explore the approaches that island nations require and expand on existing strategies in order to create more resilient economies and drive sustainable green growth.

Moderator: Kavita Desai, Advisor on Sustainable Development and Global Policy, United Nations Foundation

Speakers:

  • Johannes Zutt, Director of the Strategy, Risk, Results and Learning Department, The World Bank
  • Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency
  • Nadia Spencer-Henry, Debt Manager in the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, AOSIS
  • Jerome Phelps, Head of Advocacy, Jubilee Debt Campaign
  • Dr Ratnakar Adhikari, Executive Director, Enhanced Integrated Framework, World Trade Organization

Networking Session – Sponsored by Invest Barbados at 18:00 pm EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 23:00pm BST (London), 08:00am AEST (Sydney) (Next day)

An interactive networking session where attendees can move from table to table and meet key stakeholders from across the globe, engage with one another and make connections.

Friday

April 16, 2021

Insuring the Future – Creative solutions for risk management at 03:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 08:00am BST (London), 05:00pm AEST (Sydney)

In an era of increasing environmental and economic instability, planning for an uncertain future has become increasingly challenging. However, creative solutions and outside-of-the-box thinking have allowed many small island economies to successfully mitigate their risk and work to protect future generations from catastrophe. The panel will discuss these solutions and opportunities to insure future development in infrastructure and beyond, all while promoting resilience in an uncertain future.

Moderator: Maybelline Bing, Adjunct Instructor, College of the Marshall Islands

Speakers:

  • Dr Martin Kimmig, Chief Risk Officer, AIIB
  • Aholotu Palu, CEO, Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company
  • Astrid Zwick, Head of InsuResilience Secretariat

Impact Investing and ESG – An Opportunity for Financing Sustainable Development on Islands? at 08:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 13:00pm BST (London), 22:00pm AEST (Sydney)

The growth in ESG investing may represent a new shift for island communities. There is a growing interest from investors to ensure their money has a positive impact on the world, contributing to positive indicators in environment, social and governance aspects. How can islands leverage new opportunities from investors looking to make an impact?

Moderator: Fiona Wilson, Senior Program Manager, Clinton Climate Initiative, Clinton Foundation

Speakers:

  • Jackie Marati, Senior Vice President/Chief Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Bank of Guam
  • Mark Lewis, Chief Sustainability Strategist, BNP Paribas Asset Management
  • Steve Weinstein, Chair, Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA); Former Chief Legal Officer, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd; Chair, RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences Foundation
  • Simone Hudson, CFA, AVP Alternatives and Fund Management

Closing Networking Session – Sponsored by Invest Barbados at 10:00 am EDT (New York)

Other timezones: 15:00pm BST (London), 00:00am AEST (Sydney) (Next day)

An interactive networking session where attendees can move from table to table and meet key stakeholders from across the globe, engage with one another and make connections.

Island Finance Forum 2021

Sponsors & Partners

Sponsors

Get in touch with us today and find out how you can support the Finance Forum.

Click Here to Learn More about Sponsorship Options.

Invest Barbados

GOLD SPONSOR

Invest Barbados (IB) is an economic development agency of the government of Barbados. IB is responsible for attracting, winning and sustaining international investment for Barbados. The corporation is also responsible for helping to develop and manage the Barbados international business brand.

NCB Capital Markets Ltd

GOLD SPONSOR

NCB Capital Markets Ltd. is the wealth and asset management arm of the National Commercial Bank offering investment options and advice for institutions and individuals. Previously Edward Gayle and Company Ltd, NCB Capital Markets Ltd. is one of the pioneers of the equity market in Jamaica, holding one of the first five seats on the Jamaican Stock Exchange. Started in 1968, by Edward Esau Gayle as an equity boutique to facilitate the development of a vibrant stock market in Jamaica, the company is the oldest operational brokerage house in the English Speaking Caribbean.
In 2002, Edward Gayle & Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of the NCB Group, and following a merger with NCB Investments Ltd., was later re-branded as NCB Capital Markets Limited in December 2003. NCB Capital Markets Ltd. is now one of the largest stock brokers in Jamaica consisting of 11 branches. The company has built on a legacy and is a full service wealth advisory and asset management firm. Clients can access offshore products and services through NCB (Cayman) Limited and our subsidiary NCB Capital Markets (Cayman) Limited. These products and services cover a range of equity, money market, global bonds and mutual fund products, as well as corporate finance and portfolio management services for individual and institutional investors.

Mana Pacific Inc.

SILVER SPONSOR

”Mana” throughout the Pacific is the “life force” within all living things and is grounded in the Hawaiian tradition of “Ahupua’a” or Collective and Equitable Prosperity.

We are a renewable energy project development Benefit Corporation focusing our ‘mana’ on delivering resilient and renewable energy projects that reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and lessens the impact on the environment while improving the equitable access of sustainable, affordable energy.

We are different because of Our People and Our Approach.

We are addressing energy and resource scarcity and climate risk in the Pacific by employing transformational, disruptive, and regenerative business models and solutions to create opportunities for change at every segment of the economic spectrum.

By returning the Pacific Island Communities to their ancestral ways of living in a self-sustaining manner which operates in harmony with their environment, we can create jobs, reduce waste, spur economic growth, restore our cultural identity, and most importantly, Empower the Pacific!

Nathan Associates

SILVER SPONSOR

Nathan Associates delivers creative, viable, and defensible analytic and economic solutions for government and commercial clients around the world. Our multidisciplinary, high-performing teams use a proactive, structured approach to navigate complexity, mitigate risk, and optimize success on every engagement. For more than 70 years, clients have relied on Nathan to handle complex, high‐stakes assignments, and provide exceptional value.

Camco Clean Energy

SILVER SPONSOR

Camco Clean Energy is a fund manager specialising in climate and renewables. With 30 years’ experience in the sector, the Camco team provides practical financing solutions to lead the clean energy transition, pairing the conscience of a development bank with the agility of a small private company. Camco currently manages around $200m and is active in the development of financing facilities for island nations.

Caribbean Biodiversity Fund

BRONZE SPONSOR

Established in 2012, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) is the realization of a bold vision to create reliable, long-term funding for conservation and sustainable development in the Caribbean region. The CBF and a group of National Conservation Trust Fund form the Caribbean Sustainable Finance Architecture, which, among other objectives, supports and incentivizes targeted Caribbean nations to meet the goals of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI), national conservation priorities, and targets under other international and regional commitments.

Caribbean Biodiversity Fund

BRONZE SPONSOR

Established in 2012, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) is the realization of a bold vision to create reliable, long-term funding for conservation and sustainable development in the Caribbean region. The CBF and a group of National Conservation Trust Fund form the Caribbean Sustainable Finance Architecture, which, among other objectives, supports and incentivizes targeted Caribbean nations to meet the goals of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI), national conservation priorities, and targets under other international and regional commitments.

Strategic partners

Alliance of Small Island States

STRATEGIC PARTNER

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is an intergovernmental organization of 44 low-lying coastal and small island countries, including five observers. Established in 1990, the main purpose of the alliance is to consolidate the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address climate change.

As a voice for the vulnerable, AOSIS' mandate is more than amplifying marginalised voices as it also advocates for these countries’ interests. In terms of size, AOSIS closely resembles the countries it represents on the global stage, but often punches far above its weight, negotiating historic global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, among other achievements.

To achieve its goals, AOSIS often draws on partnerships, including with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Commission, to bolster its capacity to effectively influence climate negotiations, some of the most complex and difficult in the world. AOSIS also makes vital contributions by helping its members to pool their resources and amplify their collective voice in climate talks. This goes beyond just speaking up to securing ambitious agreements with tangible benefits for vulnerable communities.

Race to Zero COP26

STRATEGIC PARTNER

Race To Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. It mobilizes a coalition of leading net zero initiatives, representing 454 cities, 23 regions, 1,397 businesses, 74 of the biggest investors, and 569 universities. These ‘real economy’ actors join 120 countries in the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Collectively these actors now cover nearly 25% global CO2 emissions and over 50% GDP.
Led by the High-Level Climate Champions for Climate Action – Nigel Topping and Gonzalo Muñoz– Race To Zero mobilizes actors outside of national governments to join the Climate Ambition Alliance, which was launched at the UNSG’s Climate Action Summit 2019 by the President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera. The objective is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy ahead of COP26, where governments must strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement. This will send governments a resounding signal that business, cities, regions and investors are united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Alliance of Small Island States

STRATEGIC PARTNER

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is an intergovernmental organization of 44 low-lying coastal and small island countries, including five observers. Established in 1990, the main purpose of the alliance is to consolidate the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address climate change.

As a voice for the vulnerable, AOSIS' mandate is more than amplifying marginalised voices as it also advocates for these countries’ interests. In terms of size, AOSIS closely resembles the countries it represents on the global stage, but often punches far above its weight, negotiating historic global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, among other achievements.

To achieve its goals, AOSIS often draws on partnerships, including with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Commission, to bolster its capacity to effectively influence climate negotiations, some of the most complex and difficult in the world. AOSIS also makes vital contributions by helping its members to pool their resources and amplify their collective voice in climate talks. This goes beyond just speaking up to securing ambitious agreements with tangible benefits for vulnerable communities.

Race to Zero COP26

STRATEGIC PARTNER

Race To Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. It mobilizes a coalition of leading net zero initiatives, representing 454 cities, 23 regions, 1,397 businesses, 74 of the biggest investors, and 569 universities. These ‘real economy’ actors join 120 countries in the largest ever alliance committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. Collectively these actors now cover nearly 25% global CO2 emissions and over 50% GDP.
Led by the High-Level Climate Champions for Climate Action – Nigel Topping and Gonzalo Muñoz– Race To Zero mobilizes actors outside of national governments to join the Climate Ambition Alliance, which was launched at the UNSG’s Climate Action Summit 2019 by the President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera. The objective is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy ahead of COP26, where governments must strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement. This will send governments a resounding signal that business, cities, regions and investors are united in meeting the Paris goals and creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Media Partners

IFC Media

MEDIA PARTNER

IFC Media is the leading publishing house for the global wealth management industry. Representing international finance centres across the globe while creating a comprehensive archive of commentary, analysis and technical articles. IFC Media publications include the flagship IFC Review annual, the annual IFC Economic Report and regional reviews such as the Caribbean Review.

Supplementing our hard copy publications is ifcreview.com, which houses the monthly IFC Review E-Journal and the IFC Review digital library and archive. Created as an online resource for wealth management professionals, ifcreview.com combines reference materials with highly technical articles and thought-provoking commentary from industry leading contributors. With continually updated coverage from over 30 international finance centres and daily news bulletins, ifcreview.com is a one-stop-shop for wealth management professionals right across the globe.

IFC Media delivers an integrated knowledge base for the world’s leading IFCs and their wealth management professionals.

Financial IT

MEDIA PARTNER

Established six years ago, Financial IT is the venue where the FinTech community makes itself heard. Innovation is the common feature of the companies that we work with. Some are FinTech disruptors, posing a direct challenge to established institutions. Others are technology companies, providing solutions that produce positive outcomes for the institutions and their clients. We provide a digital platform for multimedia and editorial content, rankings and overviews of major industry events.

Financial IT magazine is published four or six times a year in digital form. It is also available in print form at trade events through media partnerships. We believe that our competitive edge comes from our established relationships with financial IT companies and institutions, the breadth of the solutions described and the quality of content. Financial IT provides a detailed map of the ever-changing space where the broadly defined financial services sector meets the IT sector.

ImpactAlpha

MEDIA PARTNER

ImpactAlpha is a subscription-based, multi-channel digital media platform that is redefining business journalism around social and environmental value. Our audience and our beat are “Agents of Impact” working in impact investing, sustainable finance, ESG and entrepreneurship to accelerate a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Subscribe today at impactalpha.com

Fintech Finance

MEDIA PARTNER

At Fintech Finance, we aim to produce the slickest episodes, interviews and event coverage, looking at the complete range of topics within financial services, from branches to blockchain. We travel extensively across borders to find the most interesting and undiscovered features, be it in Manchester or Mongolia. All of our video coverage gets written up into our extensive magazine library that consists of “The Fintech Magazine,” “The Paytech Magazine,” and “The Insurtech Magazine.”
…basically, we travel around the world, chat to the best and brightest people in Fintech while making the most entertaining, exciting and insightful content in the industry!

Caribbean Blockchain Alliance

MEDIA PARTNER

The Caribbean Blockchain Alliance is an NGO dedicated to promoting the adoption of blockchain technology in the region.

The Fintech Times

MEDIA PARTNER

The Fintech Times is a bold new media company daring to ask the tough questions about the rise of Fintech. We report on the latest and brightest ideas from the Fintech ecosystem as an authoritative and trusted voice. We focus on high-quality content and distribute it to our network helping our partners to achieve their goals.
Fintech as a definition started trending in recent years as the future of financial services, and of money itself. For those already in the know, this is not news.
Fintech isn’t a business sector; it’s dozens of sectors. Everything from high street banks, investment companies, money transfer, FX, fintech is re-engineering these sectors into their next generation.
And there are new kinds of businesses emerging: crowdfunding, peer2peer platforms, crypto currencies, AI and robo-advice... sectors that are digitally native, they didn’t exist before the internet.
Fintech is about new companies, and new technologies for old companies. It’s about inventors and visionaries, and everyday people creating something new. It’s about your bank, your phone, and your job. And it’s about the future.
Future, before it happens.
For the latest complimentary digital issue of The Fintech Times, please go to: https://thefintechtimes.com/publication

Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc.

MEDIA PARTNER

Founded in 2007, Governance & Accountability Institute is a sustainability consulting firm
headquartered in New York City, advising corporate client in developing and executing winning
strategies to maximize ROI at every step of the sustainability journey.
G&A helps corporate and investment community clients recognize, understand and address
sustainability issues of concern to important stakeholders. G&A’s sustainability-focused services and
resources include: counseling & strategies for sustainability; sustainability reporting; materiality
assessments; stakeholder engagement; benchmarking; ESG investor data strategy; investor relations;
sustainability communications; training; third-party awards advice, recognition and index inclusions;
issues monitoring & customized research.

The Royal Gazette

MEDIA PARTNER

Founded in 1828, The Royal Gazette is Bermuda’s only daily newspaper, publishing every day except Sunday and public holidays. With daily print readership of more than 30,000 and more than 20,000 daily website users, The Royal Gazette has the deepest and broadest reach of any Bermuda news organisation.
The Royal Gazette also produces Navigate Bermuda, an e-newsletter which tells stories from across the broad tapestry of the island’s rich and varied business landscape, through relevant content that shows how the contrasts in markets are the islands strengths. Navigate Bermuda is a multiplatform commercial content engine across web, social, print and event marketing.

Global Ethical Finance Initiative

MEDIA PARTNER

The Global Ethical Finance Initiative is a non-profit based in Scotland with a global footprint. We are dedicated to enabling finance to deliver positive change and help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Through our www.pathtocop26.com campaign, we are committed to making finance work for COP26, and COP26 work for finance. As a Scottish-based organisation, we are particularly excited to welcome the world to Glasgow this year. Her Majesty’s Government, Scottish Government, the UN and Island Innovation are signatories alongside financial institutions such as Aberdeen Standard Investments, Baillie Gifford, Federated Hermes, ING, NatWest Group and Royal London. Our events have a reputation for driving action through frank, honest debate amongst a global coalition across financial services. Previous keynote addresses have included: Gordon Brown, Dame Susan Rice, Sir Roger Gifford, Achim Steiner, Archbishop Justin Welby and Nicola Sturgeon.

Responsible Investor

MEDIA PARTNER

Focusing on business-critical news and data, Responsible Investor is the leading dedicated news and events service covering responsible investment, ESG and sustainable finance for institutional investors globally.
Our broad aim is to be the go-to media platform for this $68 trillion sector; leading strategic, sustainable change in financial markets through thought-leadership, proprietary journalism and community building.
If you want to experience the quality and breadth of Responsible Investor’s content before you commit to subscribing you can set up a 28-day free trial.

Shaper Impact Capital (SIC)

MEDIA PARTNER

Shaper Impact Capital (SIC) is a global community-led volunteer project founded by a team of experienced VCs who are also part of the Global Shaper Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, to create a young community of individuals around the world dedicated to having an impact. SIC is building the community infrastructure stack for impact startup resources - this means a global plug-and-play network for capital, marketing, and mentorship. We connect curated social impact startups and social enterprises that are looking to further their impact with impact investors, angels, and funds looking for impact-driven market-competitive financial return.

@SRIEvent

MEDIA PARTNER

Launched in March 2013, @SriEvent has been globally the first and is so far the sole Twitter handle exclusively devoted to telling the stories of events on sustainable finance. @SriEvent stands among the world’s top social media influencers on #sustainablefinance and more broadly sustainability issues, and partners with distinguished organizations/events in the sustainable finance field at international level.

@SriEvent specializes in creating, searching and aggregating, valorizing and promoting Twitter-based contents for events on sustainable finance. #SriAgenda, #Livetweeting, #TwitterChat, #TwitterInterview are the main services provided by @SriEvent in the framework of a modular and customizable offer.

In May 2019 @SriEvent launched its first local chapter @SriEvent_It focused on the Italian landscape. @SriEvent is also present on Linkedin (since 2020) and Instagram (since 2021).

@SriEvent is part of a network of Twitter handles launched by @andytuit, a story-tweeter, blogger, journalist, writer, adjunct professor on sustainable finance, member of Managers For Future Pioneer Team, with 20+ years of experience in the field.

Finding Startups

MEDIA PARTNER

Finding Startups is a network of entrepreneurs focusing on Emerging Market Startup Ecosystems, with a keen interest in finding Ecopreneurs with innovative sustainable solutions, addressing one or more of the UN SDGs.

World Ocean Council

MEDIA PARTNER

The World Ocean Council (WOC) is a global, cross-sectoral ocean industry leadership alliance committed to “Corporate Ocean Responsibility”, developed by and for the private sector, with a unique and multi-sectoral approach to address cross-cutting issues affecting ocean sustainable development, science and stewardship of the seas.
The WOC believes that responsible and coordinated Ocean Business Community efforts are essential to a healthy and productive global ocean and its sustainable use, development and stewardship by a responsible Ocean Business Community.
To this end, the WOC engages and brings together leaders from the various ocean industries, including shipping, oil and gas, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy (wind, wave, tidal), ports, dredging, cables, as well as the maritime legal, financial and insurance communities, and others to collaborate on responsible use of the seas. We ensure that the Ocean Business Community’s role in ocean sustainable development is understood by all relevant stakeholders (decision makers, policy makers, intergovernmental bodies etc.).
The WOC is growing steadily, as an increasing number and range of ocean industry companies from around the world are distinguishing themselves as leaders in “Corporate Ocean Responsibility” by joining the WOC. More broadly, the continually expanding global WOC network includes 35,000+ ocean industry and media stakeholders around the world.

Pacific Islands Energy Roundtable

The Pacific Islands Energy Roundtable invites key stakeholders from the 22 Pacific Island Nations to plan and execute a cohesive strategy to adopt resilient solutions for the Pacific.  This is an invitation only event available to individuals and organizations working on island resiliency initiatives in the Pacific.

The roundtable will centre on the participant’s creation of tangible and actionable solutions that address the Pacific’s resilience needs. There are 4 key topics that will be covered during the session:

  • Cost-Effective Standardized Renewable Energy Systems in the Pacific Islands
  • Regional Coordination
  • Access to capital
  • Geopolitics

This Roundtable is co-organised with Mana Pacific Inc.

WATCH THE PANEL

Financing a Blue-Green Recovery for the Caribbean

This invitation-only Roundtable brings together key stakeholders from across the region to workshop opportunities to develop a green recovery and ocean investment around the region. This event is open to Caribbean stakeholders working on sustainable development, blue economy and adjacent sectors.

The interactive session will bring together finance experts and policymakers aiming to create specific outputs and recommendations to financing a blue-green recovery across all countries and territories in the Caribbean.

WATCH THE PANEL

Island Finance Forum 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend the Island Finance Forum?

The forum is the first of its kind, and totally free! You can learn from world-leading experts from diverse backgrounds about the latest projects being deployed in island communities, with applications far beyond. Each session will be interactive with opportunities to ask questions and make connections. This year we are expanding to have even more features!

How do I participate?

All are welcome to participate in the summit – feel free to invite friends and colleagues. Participants can take part in every session, or simply choose the sessions most relevant to them and are all encouraged to join the social media conversation.

Will the forum be recorded?

The forum will be broadcast LIVE, taking place over multiple days in various timezones. Ideally, we want guests to join live as there will be opportunities to ask questions and interact with fellow attendees. However, all sessions will be recorded and made available online a few weeks after the forum.

Can I speak or recommend a topic?

We are continually adding more speakers and sessions! If you would like to nominate a speaker click here.

Can I sponsor the event?

We have limited opportunities for sponsors of specific sessions or the event as a whole. If you are interested in sponsoring the event please get in touch.

Can we organize a local streaming?

We are exploring opportunities to screen parts of the summits on islands around the world to ensure local communities can take part. If you would like to organize a screening on your island please get in touch.