Gran Canaria to Host Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026
Gran Canaria has been selected as the host for the 2026 Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS). The major international event will take place from 20 to 22 April at the ExpoMeloneras Conference Centre.
A Hub for Island Sustainability Leaders
Organised by Island Innovation in collaboration with the Gran Canaria Island Council (Cabildo), the summit will convene island representatives, innovation leaders, investors, policymakers, and technical experts from across the globe. They will gather to address the primary challenges and opportunities in sustainable island development. Gran Canaria was chosen as host due to its growing international reputation as a leader in sustainability, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, climate adaptation, and responsible tourism.
Showcasing the Ecoisla Strategy
Event organisers highlighted that the island’s ‘Ecoisla’ strategy, aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, is already delivering results in circular economy, energy and food sovereignty, environmental education, and innovation. In this regard, the Councillor for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge of the Gran Canaria Council, Raúl García Brink, emphasised that “Gran Canaria is not only the host, but also an active contributor to the global debate on island sustainability. We are pleased to welcome island leaders from around the world and to be able to highlight the unique innovations emerging from our region.”
International Experts and Caribbean Delegation
The summit will feature a growing list of international experts and island leaders. Confirmed participants include the CEO of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP), Gene León; the Vice President of the Senate of Barbados and Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Liz Thompson; the UK Special Envoy for Small Island Developing States, Tim Hemmings; and the expert in Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism from the Magallanes region and Chilean Antarctic territory, Alejandro Núñez Guerrero, among others.
Furthermore, the participation of a political-technical mission from the Caribbean has been confirmed. It will be comprised of five to seven Ministers of Energy, Climate or Sustainable Development and senior officials from member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States with active geothermal interest. These include Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, plus Overseas Territories, alongside representatives from their Commission and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, among other regional bodies.
Spotlight on Geothermal Energy
A key highlight of GSIS2026 will be the Geothermal Energy Forum, scheduled for 22 April. This project represents a significant step towards energy sovereignty and will serve as a practical case study during the Forum, providing insights into the financing, scaling, and management of geothermal energy in an island context.
Building on a Successful Legacy
The 2025 edition of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit brought together over 600 participants representing more than 50 islands from the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Europe, and other regions. High-level debates were held on energy transition, sustainable finance, and youth leadership, and the SIDS & NDCs Climate Coalition was launched.
Confirmed sponsors for GSIS2026 include Join the Pipe and Edge Foundation, with partners such as the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the Sergio Alonso Foundation, United by the Sea, Innoceana, PeaceBoat US, Susinsight, Gran Canaria Tourism, ULPGC Tides, and iMPACT Magazine.
Registration Details for Residents and Visitors
Those interested in attending the Global Sustainable Islands Summit must register via the website https://gsis.islandinnovation.co/. Residents of Gran Canaria can benefit from a 50% discount on the total ticket cost by using the code GSIS2026-GCGOV-SP. Proof of residency via an identity document will be required at the time of registration.
Island Innovation is a global social enterprise working to accelerate sustainable development on islands worldwide. Through events, media, and collaborative projects, Island Innovation aims to inspire and empower island communities in their transition towards a sustainable future.
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