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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:
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!
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
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
Hon. Allen Chastanet
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
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)
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
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
Rt. Hon. Lord Zac Goldsmith
UK Minister for Pacific & the Environment
Sandra Uwantege Hart
Blockchain Innovations & Cash Transfer Lead, Oxfam
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Dr Martin Kimmig
Chief Risk Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Karen Panton
Executive Director, Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF)
Adam Borison
Senior Vice President, Nathan Associates
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
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
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
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.
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.
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!
Strategic partners
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
…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!
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
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 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.
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.
Can I give feedback or make a suggestion?
We always welcome ideas! Please get in touch.