SHINAN, WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has officially been selected to host the 21st Islands of the World Conference, the flagship event of the International Small Islands Studies Association (ISISA), in June 2027.
The announcement was confirmed during the ISISA General Meeting on July 9 in Shinan, South Korea, where members formally designated Curaçao as the next host of the international conference. The event will take place from June 6 to 11, 2027, and is expected to attract approximately 200 scholars, researchers and professionals from around 40 island communities across the globe.
Representing Curaçao at this year's conference are Dr. Renske Pin, chair of the 2027 Organizing Committee, Elton Villarreal of the National Archaeological Anthropological Memory Management Foundation (NAAM), and Guido Rojer of the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO). Together with co-chair Steffen van Heijningen, Pin is leading preparations for the international gathering.
During the conference in South Korea, Curaçao presented its initial plans for the 2027 event to the global ISISA community. On July 10, the ISISA flag was officially handed over to the Curaçao delegation, symbolizing the island's role as the next conference host.
"It is an honor to represent Curaçao here in South Korea and to see the enthusiasm within the international community for bringing the conference to the Caribbean," Pin said. "In 2027, we want to organize a high-quality international scientific conference while also showcasing the knowledge, research and expertise that exist in Curaçao and throughout the wider Caribbean."
Focus on Island Solutions
ISISA is an international network of scholars and professionals dedicated to the study of islands, island societies and the unique challenges they face.
The 2027 conference will focus on topics including sustainability, climate change, economic development, culture, governance, healthcare and the resilience of island communities.
Held under the theme "Navigating Challenges, Building Global Resilience: Island Solutions," the conference aims to highlight islands not only as places facing common challenges, but also as centers of innovation where practical solutions are developed that can benefit communities worldwide.
The scientific program is being developed with support from the University of Curaçao, the University of Aruba, the University of St. Martin, the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation (CARMABI), NAAM and Curaçao's Ministry of Economic Development, along with international researchers and members of the ISISA network.
Preparations Already Underway
Preparations for the conference are already well advanced. Organizers have launched the official conference website, secured key funding and sponsorships, and confirmed the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort as the conference venue.
In addition to the academic program, organizers are developing a cultural and social agenda that will introduce international visitors to Curaçao while providing broader insight into the Caribbean region.
The conference will also create opportunities for students, early-career researchers and local institutions to actively participate in the event.
"This is an important opportunity for Curaçao," Pin said. "We are bringing an international scientific network to our island while giving our own researchers, institutions and expertise an international platform."
Over the coming months, organizers will continue developing the scientific program, expanding the Scientific Committee and finalizing preparations. The call for abstracts is expected to open later this year.