Two members of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum underscored the significance of marine conservation and climate action.
Director of Youth Affairs, Dr Jrucilla Samuel, and National and CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Esquire Henry are among a four-member delegation participating in the international forum.
“Understanding the need for food security, conservation, and climate justice,” Dr Samuel stated that Antigua and Barbuda signed and ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
She insisted that the successful implementation of the BBNJ agreement “relies on an empowered workforce. So building youth capacity—values, skills and knowledge—is key for scientific research and innovation.”
During the April 16 presentation, Dr Samuel also highlighted the pivotal role of the Centre of Excellence in Oceanography and the Blue Economy at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
Henry, who was one of the moderators for the Caribbean session, made his intervention on April 15. The youth ambassador appealed for collective action and asserted that the ratifying of the BBNJ Agreement is a “bold and timely move that underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s intent to strengthen ocean governance.”
But the young leader declared that “if we are to realise the promise of SDG 14 truly, we must move beyond policies and legislation and ignite a movement where we are rooted in education, empowerment, investments, and the mobilisation of all our people, especially our youth, fisherfolk, and coastal communities.”
Henry told the packed room of global delegates that the twin island nation is no stranger to sustainability initiatives. “Antigua and Barbuda has long demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems through a comprehensive and adaptive legislative framework,” he said.
The youth ambassador also thanked CARICOM and the Caribbean Development Bank for their commitment to youth development and empowerment.
The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States and The Global Children and Youth Action Summit were also on the delegation’s agenda. Dr Samuel pointed out that it was evident during the landmark events that young people are “eager to serve, chase dreams, and build legacies”, and “we must leverage the power of youth and artificial intelligence to drive climate action.”
However, she cautioned that it is important that youth must lead sustainably with purpose, passion, and patience.
Dr Samuel also reminded delegates of the conference adoption of The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), which magnifies the critical role of youth empowerment, in shaping resilient and sustainable futures.
After the youth leader’s presentation, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Walton Webson, spoke briefly about the SIDS Global Data Hub. The center will focus on four strategic components to support the implementation of ABAS: a SIDS Global Data Hub, an Innovation and Technology Mechanism, an Island Investment Forum, and a Debt Sustainability Support Service. The center will provide technical assistance, capacity development, and bolster knowledge sharing to support sustainable development initiatives in the SIDS.
The Youth Coordinator and Mobilization Officer, Russhell Ellis, and Programme Assistant Officer, Lael Farrell, who also form part of the twin island’s delegation, said the ECOSOC experience has been intriguing so far. As they listen keenly to the thoughts and ideas of the youth, they have no doubt that the young leaders “will inspire change and remain committed to SDG goals”.
“This forum will allow you to not only benefit from presenters speaking on actions that will unite us together but pushing the world of youths to collaborate and take action by trying to make a more sustainable earth,” they added.
The April 16 session was held under the theme “Navigating our Future: Empowering Caribbean Youth to advance sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
