The Island Finance Forum (IFF) was successfully concluded by the Island Innovation last April 18 to 20 of three days of at least 15 sessions arranged in six themes: risk & finance, climate finance, renewable energy finance, blue economy, FinTech and innovation with start-up ecosystems.

During the first day, the Island Innovation ambassador from Marinduque, Dr. Randy Nobleza was able to attend the Island Finance Forum 2023 opening, likewise the Bridgetown agenda, transforming from the inside for the outside and small and medium enterprise.

Hon. Walter Roban of Bermuda, Dr. Denzil Douglas from Saint Kitts and Nevis and Kevin Cambridge of the Bahamas attended the opening ssession with the Island Innovation CEO James Ellsmoor moderating the session.

Moreover, on the second day the Island Innovation ambassador attended the sessions about financing the renewable energy transition in islands, Out of the blue: the blue economy and conservation finance, the evolution of ESG (environmental and sustainable governance) and the grass is always greener.

Hon. Manoa Seru Kamikamica, the Fiji minister of trade coopeatives and deputy prime minister served as keynote speaker alongside with Irene Olkeril founder of Palau’s Entrepreneurs for Growth, Alessandro Silvestri of Malta Accelerate and Michael Galea who talked about the start-up ecosystems and renewable energy finance.

Based on the IFF agenda, “untapped renewable energy potential makes it an interesting region for stakeholders and investors seeking to rapidly scale-up the availability of low-carbon power. From solar, to biofuels, hydroelectric, wind and tidal, the Pacific has a wealth of renewables capable of supporting the region’s growing population and economies. Finance has always been a limiting factor for major infrastructure on islands, so what opportunities exist for the Pacific? Find out in this session.”

Finally, on the last day Dr. Nobleza participated in the session on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), weather hazards, public debt and the green and blue economy, why is digital technology critical to ESG success? He was also able to join the sessions about Digital innovation and FinTech for climate action along with the Closing session on blue economy solutions showcase.

The Island Innovation Forum is a flagship program of the Island Innovation where respective Island Innovation ambassadors can interact with counterpart with the rest of the world. One of the most interactive component of IFF is the networking session using the Remo platform where islanders can connect with other islanders, precisely for discussion of ideas and finding people with shared interests around the planet.

Meanwhile, coinciding with the National Literature and Filipino Food month is the Creativity and Innovation Week last April 15 to 21 and the World Heritage day on April 18 and Innovation day last April 21. Dr. Nobleza pitched for buying in many potentials to unlock needed financial support for countries on the frontiers of climate emergency. The Marinduque Island Innovation Ambassador is a staunch advocate of Rights of Nature given the context of the Mindoro Oil Spill in February 28 and the aftermath of the Marcopper mine tailings disaster 27 years earlier.