Youth from across the Eastern Caribbean have made their voices heard at the 3rd Caribbean NDC Investment Forum, calling for their full and meaningful inclusion in climate decision-making processes that directly affect their future.
In what has been described as a dynamic panel discussion titled “Bridging the Gap between Youth and Decision-Makers: For This Is We Future,” four inspiring youth advocates—Kezia St. Brice (Saint Lucia), Yusuf Stafford (Grenada), Tyeisha Emmanuel (Anguilla), and Aquanje Robinson (Saint Kitts and Nevis)—shared the ways in which young people are already driving national climate action, and issued a powerful call for co-leadership rather than consultation alone.
The session was part of an ongoing partnership between UNICEF and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to ensure that children and young people are not only heard, but actively shaping policy responses to the climate crisis, particularly in the context of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
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“Children and youth are at the forefront and are disproportionately affected when it comes to climate change,” said Tyeisha Emmanuel. “However, we are often left out of the very discussions and decisions… that shape our future.”
Under the forum’s theme, “Investing in Climate Action for a Resilient Future,” the young leaders highlighted real solutions they are already implementing in their schools and communities—emphasising that young people are not waiting to act, but want to do more in partnership with governments, civil society and development partners.
“We don’t want to be mere beneficiaries; we want to be partners, co-creating solutions for climate resilience and climate action within our region,” Emmanuel continued. “The life script of the Caribbean depends on all of us, so let us unite to write and carry it.”
Their message was bold and clear: “No decisions for us, without us. One Caribbean—for this is our future.”
With small island states among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, UNICEF and OECS are committed to placing children and young people at the heart of climate governance—ensuring that policies are not only inclusive but also reflective of the needs, ideas and leadership of the next generation.
Story was adapted from Unicef.
