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Aruba’s Sustainability Business Innovation Program designed to accelerate impact for a sustainable, circular island
On May 18, 2022, Aruba’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Communications, and Sustainable Development (Min EZCDO) hosted an engaging session with over 100 key stakeholders to discuss the circular economy. This gathering aimed to identify and prioritize measures to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, circular economy.
These sessions and dialogues resulted in ‘Aruba’s Transition to a Sustainable & Inclusive Economic Model- National Action Plan 2023-2025’. This plan outlines Aruba’s transition towards a sustainable and inclusive economic model and provides a roadmap for the government’s circular economic initiatives in the ensuing years. With a well-defined action plan in place, the Government of Aruba is now prepared to embark on the implementation phase of the identified projects to facilitate this transition.
Both the Government of Aruba (GoA) and the Aruba Circular Economy Foundation (ACEF) recognized the advantages of bringing together their existing resources, network, and expertise. Consequently, they entered into a cooperation agreement with the common goal of facilitating the transition toward a sustainable, circular island economy in Aruba as set forth in Aruba’s Transition to a Sustainable & Inclusive Economic Model- National Action Plan 2023 – 2025.
One such project is the Island Impact Program, a pioneering initiative by the Aruba Circular Economy Foundation (ACEF) in partnership with Min EZCDO as co-initiator and co-financer, aiming to enhance the sustainability and circularity of Aruba’s business community. It is also the continuation of the cooperation between the Government and ACEF, as was officially signed in February 2022 with a cooperation agreement between the two parties.
The program seeks to inspire and enable local businesses to adopt sustainable and circular pilot projects, offering support through connections with international frontrunners (knowledge partners). This initiative has evolved through a partnership between the Ministry and ACEF, originating from the successful Dutch Impact Nation Program by ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Impact Hub Amsterdam (IHAdam), and The Next Web.
The Island Impact Program primarily focuses on:
A diverse group of partners and stakeholders will implement the six-month Island Impact project collaboratively. The primary execution partners include the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Communication, and Sustainable Development (Min EZCDO), Impact Hub Aruba (IHAUA), Impact Hub Amsterdam (IHAdam), and the University of Aruba. Key networking stakeholders supporting the project include the Department of Economic Affairs (DEACI), the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), Commercio Uni Aruba (CUA), the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Authority (AHATA), and the Aruba Trade and Investment Association (ATIA). Financial stakeholders involved in the initiative include Qredits and AIB Bank NV (AIB).
ACEF also maintains strong connections with the Aruba Circular Platform, an online network of 25–30 local sustainability professionals. Originally established in 2018 by the University of Aruba in collaboration with local business stakeholders, the platform is currently managed and facilitated by ACEF. It continues to serve as a vital hub for advancing sustainability efforts on the island.
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