Saint Lucia puts children and youth at the forefront of climate action

CASTRIES, 25 February 2025 - Saint Lucia is taking bold steps to ensure children and young people have a key role in climate decision making at both the national and global level. With support from UNICEF, the Government recently made good on its commitment to include children and young people in its third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) which set out its climate action plans. This process was mandated under the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

Recognizing their vulnerability to the climate crisis as well as their potential to drive transformative solutions, the Eastern Caribbean Island nation is one of the first to commit ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) deadline for NCDs. By empowering youth to participate in developing and implementing climate policies, Saint Lucia is positioning its younger generation as critical partners in the fight against climate change.

Groups such as the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC) and the Saint Lucia Chapter of the Caribbean Youth and Environment Network (CYEN) are key stakeholders on the National Climate Change Committee, as stipulated by the Climate Change Act of 2024.

By incorporating youth into climate governance, the Government is ensuring that young people not only have a voice but are also actively contributing to the design and implementation of climate policies. Youth delegates continue to represent Saint Lucia at international climate conferences, playing a vital role in global discussions.

“Including children and young people in Saint Lucia’s NDC discussions ensures intergenerational equity, as they are the ones who will inherit the long-term impacts of climate change," said Marcus Giraudy, a representative of the NYC. “Their fresh perspectives drive innovation, and their involvement builds climate awareness, leadership, and public support,” he added.

Saint Lucia’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) also prioritizes education as a key sector for building resilience, with particular focus on strengthening education infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. The NDC 3.0 also calls for the integration of climate change topics into school curricula, to raise awareness and build capacity. These initiatives are intended to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to address climate challenges from an early age.

“NDCs and climate interventions can create a sustainable, resilient world for future generations, reducing climate impacts and promoting clean energy,” Kezia St. Brice of the Climate and Health Action for the Rising Generation explained. “By prioritizing sustainability, we protect ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and ensure long-term stability.”

The Government is also launching public education campaigns and participatory activities designed to increase youth awareness of climate risks and solutions. These efforts are part of Saint Lucia’s Medium-Term Development Strategy, which integrates youth empowerment with sustainable development priorities, reinforcing the importance of youth leadership in addressing climate challenges.

To support these youth-centred initiatives, Saint Lucia is pursuing financial and technical support through its NDC Financing Strategies. Partnerships with international organizations such as UNICEF, as well as collaborations with non-governmental organizations and the private sector, have been identified as crucial to the success of these programmes.

Saint Lucia’s proactive approach to including youth in climate decision-making, underscores its dedication to sustainable development and the long-term wellbeing of its future generations, so that they are not only protected from the climate crisis but are also empowered to be at the forefront of creating a resilient and sustainable future.