Club17 Curaçao Launches to Drive Sustainability Across the Island

Curaçao has taken a major step toward sustainable development with the official launch of Stichting Club17 Curaçao on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. This local initiative aims to accelerate sustainability on the island by fostering collaboration among businesses, government, NGOs, and community initiatives, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The launch event marked the signing of the Club17 Curaçao SDG Commitment Flag, a collective pledge to support the island’s sustainable future. The milestone was broadcast live on TV Direct and Facebook Live, allowing the broader community to participate.

Signatories included:
Guido Rojer, Neysa Isenia, Lara Melkert, Gynniëlla Jakoba, Joris Weerlink, Anuschka M. Cova, Dennis Dambruck, Manfred Van Veghel, Thakaidzwa Doran, Daniela Cohen-Henriquez, Vanessa Toré, Leidy Fontilus-Girigori, and Andre Rojer.

The initiative also enjoys strong institutional support, with Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) serving as a key partner, and with Curaçao’s national utilities company Aqualectra, Curaçao’s OBNA Bank, and the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) as its founding contributors.

In the lead-up to the launch, Club17 engaged stakeholders and built visibility for its mission. On August 22, coordinator Lara Melkert attended a visit by the State Secretary for Digitalization and Kingdom Relations, Eddie van Marum, along with Roald Lapperre, Director-General for Kingdom Relations, and Gerbert Kunst, the Netherlands’ new Representative in Curaçao. The delegation met with local entrepreneurs and initiatives contributing to community development and productivity. During this visit, Club17 shared its mission and plans for the upcoming milestone event.

The organization has secured a strong media partnership with Paradise FM, which acts as a bridge between Club17’s sustainability initiatives and the community. Joris Reer from Paradise FM emphasized that this partnership helps give back to the island by connecting the sustainable movement with society through radio listeners.

In addition to this collaboration, Club17 Curaçao has been named the official Network Partner for “The State of the SDGs: Navigating Sustainability on Curaçao”, a 12-episode documentary series showcasing individuals and organizations working to advance sustainability on the island. This partnership amplifies the reach of Club17’s mission by sharing stories, inspiring action, and demonstrating how collaboration can turn the SDGs into practical, everyday solutions.

Looking ahead, Club17 Curaçao continues to serve as a platform that connects people, projects, and ideas, ensuring that sustainability is not just a vision, but a shared responsibility for the island’s future.