Barbadian youth lead the way in climate action at UN roundtable event

As climate change intensifies, young people in Barbados are increasingly voicing their concerns for the future, demanding urgent action in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Mr. Selwin Hart, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Climate, joined forces with The Ashley Lashley Foundation this week for a crucial roundtable discussion at the UN House in Barbados, where young leaders came together to discuss climate action and chart a path toward securing a sustainable future for the Caribbean.

The event took place just hours before the arrival of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for the 48th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, where he delivered the opening address. This timely gathering brought together passionate climate activists and key stakeholders including Mr. Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, to tackle pressing issues like the Paris Climate Accords, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the road to COP 30, and innovative strategies to secure climate finance.

“This is a pivotal year for climate action,” said Mr. Hart. “It marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, and it’s the year when all countries are revising their Nationally Determined Contributions, updating their climate action plans. I wanted to hear directly from the youth of Barbados to understand what they believe should be included in the country's new climate plans.”

He urged the young leaders to remain hopeful and resilient despite the daunting challenges posed by climate change. "Do not give up hope," he encouraged, acknowledging that while there is an increasing global push for renewable energy, temperatures continue to rise beyond safe levels.

“We need young people in the Caribbean and around the world to advocate for the highest levels of ambition,” Hart added. “Climate extremes are intensifying. Last year was the hottest year on record, and governments everywhere must prioritize protecting those on the frontlines of this crisis.

"We're witnessing stronger storms, extreme heatwaves, wildfires, and the most vulnerable populations need protection now more than ever." 

— Mr. Selwin Hart, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Climate

Mr. Springett expressed optimism about the progress made in fulfilling NDC commitments, emphasizing the need for greater youth involvement in shaping the future of climate action. He highlighted the untapped potential of young people, noting that many of the young attendees at the roundtable were well-versed in complex climate issues, including the Paris Agreement and the mechanics of international climate negotiations.

“It’s clear that we have only scratched the surface of what youth can offer to governments and international institutions,” Springett said. 

"This kind of dialogue sparks innovative ideas that, if taken seriously, could drive transformative change. With youth leading the way, we are unstoppable." — 

— Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator, Barbados and the OECS

The roundtable featured diverse voices, including Maria Marshall, a 15-year-old UNICEF Youth Advocate on climate and the environment. "Once people from different backgrounds are in a room where they feel safe to share their views, we can have meaningful conversations about the issues they face," she said. 

"Our governments need to prioritize educating youth and the people who work with them, like teachers, about climate change."

— Maria Marshall

Ocean Campbell, 24, emphasized the importance of youth representation in climate decision-making. "It’s essential for young people to have a seat at the table because the decisions being made today will directly affect our future," Campbell said.

"At 24 years old, I know I will inherit a world shaped by these decisions. If we want to secure a bright future, we need to be actively involved in shaping it now—those decisions are the building blocks of our tomorrow.”

— Ocean Campbell

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This story was first published by UNICEF Eastern Caribbean.