Massive Bridge Plan Draws Thousands in Sicily to Protest
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| In this week’s newsletter, thousands of people protest the plan to build the world’s longest bridge from Sicily to Italy, Kiribati’s social protection efforts is reducing poverty by 75%, and Canada’s remote islands are reclaiming their future. Plus, we announced the first set of speakers that will take part in the Virtual Island Summit next month. |
Photo Credit: Al Jazeera
Thousands of people have marched in Sicily to protest against a government plan to build a bridge that would connect the Italian mainland to the Mediterranean island, and would be the world’s longest single-span bridge. Some 10,000 demonstrators recently marched in the Sicilian city of Messina to stage their opposition to the 13.5-billion-euro ($15.7bn) infrastructure project.
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Leave no-one behind: Social protection reducing poverty in Kiribati
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.” Nelson Mandela’s powerful words resonate deeply and underscore the significance of a historic achievement we’re thrilled to share from Kiribati.
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Canada’s remote islands are reclaiming their future
Photo Credit: Diane Selkirk for bbc.com
Looking up at the weathered figures carved into a memorial pole in SG̱ang Gwaay Llnagaay – an ancient First Nations village on a remote island in Canada’s Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve – a young woman from the Haida Gwaii Watchmen programme explained how she had recently identified one of her own family crests etched into the centuries-old totem pole.
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#VIS2025 first expert speakers announced!
| The most influential voices from across the globe will gather during the week of the Virtual Island Summit, next month, to shape critical conversations and spark global collaboration for a sustainable future. You have already signed up for the virtual event. Share your participation on social media platforms: |
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| #VIS2025 Content Tracks |
| Climate Resilience & Energy Transition takes centre stage in Track 2 of the Virtual Island Summit, bringing together the essential elements of our climate future: adaptive strategies, renewable energy breakthroughs, agricultural innovation, water and food security solutions, and circular economy principles. See how islands worldwide are becoming hubs for climate action and sustainable development. Take a look at our most recent post exploring these game-changing initiatives. |
| #VIS2025 Content Tracks |
| Climate Resilience & Energy Transition takes centre stage in Track 2 of the Virtual Island Summit, bringing together the essential elements of our climate future: adaptive strategies, renewable energy breakthroughs, agricultural innovation, water and food security solutions, and circular economy principles. See how islands worldwide are becoming hubs for climate action and sustainable development. Take a look at our most recent post exploring these game-changing initiatives. |
This week’s highlights
