Young representatives of small island developing states held their own summit at the University of the West Indies campus in Antigua and Barbuda. UN Conference: Young people from small island states are ready for decisive action Economic Development
When world leaders arrive on Monday for the official opening of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) in Antigua and Barbuda, they will be greeted by a “wall of commitment.” It was built by youth representatives to call on the international community to take more active action against the effects of climate change.
Youth from Small Island Developing States held their own summit this weekend at the University of the West Indies campus in Antigua and Barbuda.
Youth Summit
This event is the result of the work of Ashley Lashley, who, after being crowned Miss Barbados in 2018, founded a foundation to raise awareness of social, environmental and other issues, particularly in small island states.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Caribbean Development Bank, the governments of Malta and Australia, and the Global Environment Facility supported Lashley in organizing the youth summit.
On Friday, delegates witnessed first-hand the environmental damage caused by climate change in Antigua and Barbuda, including the die-off of coral reefs due to warming tropical waters.
On Saturday, the event included workshops, culminating in a “wall of commitment.” On Sunday, forum participants developed action projects for ten years for their regions. still a long way to go,” Lashley said.
The future is in our hands
Adelaide Nafoi from Samoa in the Pacific Ocean told UN News that she is participating in the Youth Summit and SIDS-4 to create a better future for her country, region and the world.
“To all youth all over the world, just remember that your voices are not just an echo on the wind. Your voice changes the future of you, your brothers and sisters, your cousins, your families and your country,” she said.
Lashley is confident that after the conference ends SIDS-4, the energy of the youth summit will not wane, but will continue at the Future Summit and the UN Climate Conference COP-29.
“We, the youth, often We talk about the responsibility of our leaders, but this summit is based on the fact that we, young people and children, are actually ready to take responsibility for the actions we take for future generations.”
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