WILLEMSTAD – Club17 Curaçao is increasingly establishing itself as an international example of an integrated and holistic approach to sustainable development. Recently, Lara Melkert, Global Coordinator of Club17 and Local Coordinator of Club17 Curaçao, held strategic discussions in Oman with Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy of the Sultanate of Oman, and H.E. Stella Kloth, the Dutch Ambassador to Oman.
Facilitated by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oman, these discussions focused on local challenges in Oman and the unique contributions Club17 can offer through its proven four-step strategy, which has already been successfully implemented in Curaçao.
The meetings mark the beginning of a promising partnership centered on sustainability. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—with a strong focus on SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—and Oman’s Vision 2040, the initiative lays a solid foundation for international knowledge exchange and collaboration.
“The discussions in Oman highlight that Club17’s integrated approach is inspiring on a global level,” said Lara Melkert, Global and Local Coordinator of Club17. “We have demonstrated that sustainable development can be embraced both locally and internationally. By sharing knowledge between Curaçao and Oman, we not only learn from each other’s challenges but also develop collaborative solutions with real impact, fostering sustainable economic growth in both regions.”
Club17 Curaçao’s Achievements
Over the past years, Club17 Curaçao has achieved impressive results. Through the SDG Tracker App, nearly 500 sustainable initiatives have been mapped on the island, each making a measurable contribution to the UN’s SDGs. The platform also has 31 active members who meet quarterly across different sectors to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen their collective efforts.
Notable projects include:
The launch of the Club17 Water Bottle in April 2024
The development of an Integrated Action Plan, which was implemented in August 2024
These initiatives further enhance the platform’s impact and self-sufficiency, solidifying Club17 Curaçao’s role in driving sustainable progress.
Towards a Locally Anchored Future
Club17 Curaçao is currently undergoing a key transition towards becoming an independent local entity. Until now, the initiative has been operating under the D-TAP Foundation, a Dutch organization. However, with increasing self-reliance and growing strategic partnerships on the island, a strong foundation is being laid for long-term sustainable impact in Curaçao.