BLUE PLANET ALLIANCE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, COHORT IV

The fourth cohort of the Blue Planet Alliance Fellowship Program gathered in Honolulu, Hawaii, on May 18–23, 2025, for a week rich with purpose and possibility. We welcomed Fellows from the Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Kiribati, the Maldives, Niue, Samoa, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — each bringing with them the hopes of their islands and the shared vision of a 100% renewable-energy future.

Throughout the week, Fellows were immersed in thought-provoking sessions led by experts across the legislative, regulatory, technical, and financial sectors — equipping them with the tools and insights needed to shape ambitious energy transitions back home. Midweek, the cohort journeyed to Oahu’s North Shore to visit the Kawailoa Wind Farm and Mililani Solar Park — practical examples of large-scale renewable-energy solutions in action.

The week overflowed with meaningful milestones. The Maldives and Saint Lucia signed Blue Planet Climate Agreements, boldly committing to transition to 100% renewable energy. We presented the inaugural Blue Planet Alliance SDG Award to Hawaii State Senator Chris Lee, honoring his steadfast leadership in advancing clean energy. And in a major show of momentum, six organizations from participating countries signed MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) joining our growing Alliance committed to a sustainable planet.

The week concluded high above the city at a private residence atop Tantalus, where Fellows gathered one last time, surrounded by panoramic views and the soft rustle of trade winds. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening sky lit up with Honolulu’s iconic Friday-night fireworks — a dazzling sendoff to a week defined by connection, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that islands can lead the world.