Island Insights: Exploring Climate, Culture and Community

Join us for an evening of discussion about islands and how these unique environments shape, and are shaped in turn, by culture, ecology, and global security. Our event will bring together leading experts to discuss the significance of islands in our rapidly changing world, particularly in confronting the existential challenge of climate change. Attendees will also have an opportunity to test their knowledge with an interactive quiz and will experience musical highlights. 

Keynote Introduction

The Ambassador of the Maldives in Germany, H.E. Aishath Shaan Shakir, will open the event with a keynote.

Interactive Island Quiz

Attendees will participate in a quiz designed to challenge their knowledge of various islands, their unique features, and fascinating trivia!

Roundtable Discussion: Islands and Climate Security

• Chair:
  • Prof. Gökce Yurdakul, expert on gender, immigration, and citizenship, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Speakers:
  • Prof. Marcel Robischon, expert in agricultural ecology and world natural heritage, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  • Dr. Hillary Briffa, expert in national security studies and small state security, King’s College London
  • Prof. Elmar Kulke, expert in economic geography, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

This session will explore the diverse challenges islands face because of climate change, with a particular focus on migration, agroforestry, and security. At the same time, it will also highlight the agency of islanders and their innovative approaches and solutions. The academic experts will present their insights, followed by an open and participatory discussion with the audience.

Island Voices: A Cultural Sound Experience

Closing the event, experience the mesmerizing sounds of islands through historic recordings curated by the Ethnological Museum of Berlin. Guess the origin of these unique “island voices” and immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage.