Tonga's Fekita ‘Utoikamanu is a member of the jury for the Island Innovation Awards, an international initiative that is calling for applications in 12 award categories.

Applications are open until November 5, for projects in island communities. There are no monetary awards but the initiative aims to provide global exposure for projects.

Individuals, organisations and projects that are driving positive change for remote and island communities around the world, including Tonga, have the opportunity to apply for the Island Innovation Awards before November 5, 2021 [2].

The awards are focused on celebrating excellence in sustainability and are hosted by Island Innovation, in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative [3].

The winners will be publicized across Island Innovation [4] and Clinton Global Initiative networks, resulting in exposure to thousands of people globally.

There are 12 award categories judged by an international Jury, including Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Former High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

Individual Awards include Future Island Leader, Island Innovator, Women SDG Leadership, and Most Impactful Island Innovation Ambassador.

Project Awards include Sustainable Energy Initiative of the Year, Resilient Island Award, COVID-19 Response Award, and Blue Economy Initiative Award.

The Organization Awards include Sustainable Company of the Year, Most Transformational Government Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Green Finance and Investment Award, and Innovative Island Research Award.

The organisation stated that the selection and judging will be a highly transparent process, ensuring the integrity of the process and validating the winners.

The focus of the awards will be on sharing the how of success from the winners, so other communities may benefit.

The awards ceremony will take place on December 8.

Island Innovation is also hosting a platform called Island Space @ COP26, which is dedicated to sharing islanders’ climate change messages with the world through daily news bulletins, social media posts and interactive discussions with sustainability leaders.