Caribbean’s youths are taking charge of environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable practices as youth leaders from across the Caribbean gathered in Jamaica for the inaugural Caribbean Youth Environment and Climate Change Conference.
The initiative was organised by the Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC) and was held from September 9 to September 12.
The four-day event, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, was being hailed a success, as it brought together dynamic young minds from across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Anguilla, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The Gleaner understands the conference featured vibrant discussions on critical issues, such as just energy transition, climate justice, and the intersection of environmental protection and human rights, with several delegates specially focusing on disabled and indigenous groups.
Delegates engaged in strategic dialogue aimed at developing youth-led solutions that reflect the Caribbean’s unique challenges and aspirations.
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These outcomes are expected to contribute to broader conversations at upcoming international climate conferences.
Kimar Hinds, a youth delegate, who was visiting from Barbados, told The Gleaner that a lot of positives came out of the conference.
“It is a step in the right direction if we want action. I must commend the CYCC and all stakeholders,” Hinds said.
PIVOTAL STEP
This landmark initiative has been hailed as a pivotal step toward creating a dedicated regional platform for young people to collaborate, advocate, and innovate in response to the climate crisis.
According to several delegates, the conference not only empowered youth leaders, but also sent a strong message to public and private sector stakeholders that Caribbean youths are taking charge of environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable practices.
Many participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in a regional forum, noting that while they often meet at international events, advocating as individuals can sometimes dilute their collective impact.
A dedicated Caribbean-based space for consultation and collaboration, they said, strengthens regional unity and allows for a more cohesive, resonant voice.
This homegrown platform enables youth to shape narratives rooted in shared experiences, making their advocacy more relevant and reflective of the region’s needs.
While the organisers declared the event a success, they acknowledged that the planning process highlighted the need for greater stakeholder engagement and long-term support.
They emphasised that increased investment and regional collaboration would help attract more of the Caribbean’s brightest young minds and amplify the impact of youth-driven climate action.
CYCC Executive Coordinator Mario Galbert expressed gratitude to the event’s major sponsors, including the UNEP Cartagena Convention, GraceKennedy Foundation, Digicel Foundation, Sandals Foundation, Global Environment Facility (GEF), Climate Finance Access Network, Mercy Corps, Tourism Enhancement Fund, Tourism Linkages Network, and the Kingston & St Andrew Municipal Corporation, for their vital support in making the conference possible.
As the climate crisis continues to threaten small island developing states, both organisers and delegates have pledged to carry the initiative forward.
Continued strategic planning and regional cooperation, according to the CYCC, will be essential in fostering unity, resilience, and youth leadership for a sustainable future.