Island Leaders Programme
Launching at COP31
About the Programme
The Island Leaders Programme helps island representatives access, navigate, and influence international climate negotiations, starting with COP31 in 2026.
We will work with 10 islands from across the globe, providing practical training, tailored coaching, and structured preparation for high-level environments.
Five of these leaders will join our inaugural delegation to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where they will receive full logistical and strategic support.
We are currently fundraising to ensure that participation remains accessible and equitable for island governments who would otherwise be excluded.
Why This Matters
Island leaders often hold the deepest understanding of climate, ocean, and development challenges—yet they remain among the least represented voices in global negotiations.
The Island Leaders Programme exists to:
Ensure island perspectives shape global climate outcomes
Strengthen institutional capacity inside island governments
Provide long-term benefits beyond a single COP
Connect leaders across regions to create new partnerships
Support representatives who would otherwise lack the pathways or resources to participate
When islands are present, global decisions improve. When they are absent, vulnerabilities deepen.
Programme Aims
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Helping island representatives understand how UN negotiations operate and how island priorities can be advanced.
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Connecting leaders from diverse island regions to share strategies, challenges, and solutions.
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Strengthening the ability of participants to tell their stories, build compelling messages, and represent community needs authentically.
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Offering structured preparation for press engagement, panel participation, and bilateral or multilateral conversations.
A Global Initiative
The Island Leaders Programme is open to islands worldwide.
From the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean to the Atlantic, and island regions across Europe and the Arctic. We have already received early expressions of interest from island representatives across the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, demonstrating clear, cross-regional demand for this initiative.
For Island Leaders
We are now recruiting representatives to join the first cohort. Premiers, Mayors, Ministers, and equivalent island leaders are encouraged to express interest.
For Supporters
We are actively fundraising for this programme. Supporters may fund the full initiative, sponsor island leaders, or contribute to specific components.
Ways to Support
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A Full Programme Sponsorship enables the Island Leaders Programme to operate at its highest level, ensuring equitable access for island governments across the globe. This contribution delivers the entire initiative from start to finish, providing training, preparation, COP31 participation, and long-term impact for 10 Islands.
Your sponsorship ensures island leaders are prepared, represented, and heard at the world’s most important climate negotiation. Your support builds institutional capacity that continues long after COP31 ends.
€150,000 -
Support one island representative to participate fully in the Programme.
This contribution covers virtual training, one-to-one coaching, travel, accommodation, and in-person facilitation at COP31.
€15,000 -
Fund a core virtual training module delivered to all 10 participating island leaders.
Your support enables an expert-led session on climate diplomacy, public speaking, media engagement, and COP navigation.
€7,500 -
Sponsor a one-hour Blue Zone panel elevating the voices of island leaders at COP31.
This contribution provides visibility for both the Programme and the supporting partner.
€2,500
We welcome conversations with island leaders, funders, and partners who wish to shape global island participation in the climate process.