Boston College’s Schiller Institute solidified its commitment to climate advocacy last week by hosting a post-COP29 symposium featuring Esquire Henry, Antigua and Barbuda’s Caricom Youth Ambassador, who delivered a compelling keynote address highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The symposium, which followed the official COP29 summit, provided a platform for perspectives often overlooked in global climate discussions.
“For us, as SIDS, international conferences like the convention of parties (COP) are not mere ceremonial gatherings where agreements are signed and shelved,” Henry told the audience. “They are battlefields where we fight—not with weapons, but with diplomacy, data, and unyielding resolve,” he said.
Henry powerfully echoed Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s declaration that “national solutions to global problems do not work,” emphasizing that despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, small island nations continue to bear the brunt of climate devastation.”
The keynote address highlighted the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) hosted by Antigua and Barbuda, which produced the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).
“Prime Minister Gaston Browne described ABAS as ‘a blueprint for our collective prosperity,’” Henry noted, “emphasizing its role in securing climate financing, strengthening resilience, and fostering innovation.”
Henry spoke critically about the financial mechanisms established at COP29, particularly the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), which aims to triple financial support to developing nations to $300 billion annually by 2035.
“While the NCQG represents progress, it is not without its shortcomings. The agreed-upon USD 300 billion is still far below the estimated needs of developing countries, which experts suggest could be three times that amount,” the Caricom youth ambassador said.
A significant portion of Henry’s address focused on innovative financial solutions, including Debt-for-Climate Swaps, which “allow vulnerable countries to redirect funds from debt repayment toward climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.”
Henry expressed particular enthusiasm about engagement with Boston College students during COP29.
“One of my favorite engagements during COP29 was connecting with the students of Boston College. I was beyond impressed by the college’s commitment to climate change and youth empowerment, providing opportunities for its students to attend COP29. That alone speaks volumes about the institution’s dedication to accelerating global progress,” he said.
The youth ambassador praised the Schiller Institute’s initiative to continue climate discussions beyond the official summit.
“This COP29 symposium, which is currently taking place, is remarkable, and I am eager to learn more about the students’ experiences and share them back in my own country,” Henry said.
Despite acknowledging persistent challenges faced by young climate advocates, including “financial constraints, restricted access to negotiations, and institutional barriers,” Henry remained optimistic about youth leadership in climate action.
“We have demonstrated that youth leadership is not a passing trend; it is an imperative. COP29 affirmed that no matter where we come from, our voices matter, our ideas hold value, and our actions can drive meaningful change,” he said.
Henry concluded with a powerful call to action for students and young people.
“Your impact is not confined to global conferences. It begins within your communities, in your conversations, and in the deliberate, purposeful choices you make each day. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but let COP29 serve as a testament to the fact that our voices are not just part of the dialogue—they are shaping its trajectory,” he charged.
The Schiller Institute’s symposium exemplifies the vital role academic institutions can play in amplifying voices from climate-vulnerable regions and fostering cross-regional partnerships that transform climate resilience from theory to practice, Henry concluded.
