Young people take centre stage for International Youth Day 2026 in Barbados
Around 700 children and young people celebrate their voices, creativity and potential under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”
BRIDGETOWN, 12 August 2026 – Around 700 children and young people from across Barbados came together on International Youth Day for a vibrant celebration of youth leadership, creativity, culture and participation.
Held under the theme Different Contexts, Common Aspirations, the event brought together participants from Barbados’ national summer camp programme to celebrate, perform, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for young people to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
The theme recognises that while young people experience different realities, their aspirations are remarkably similar. They want to feel safe and protected, access quality education, have their voices heard and build a prosperous and sustainable future.
Creating opportunities for young people
Senator the Honourable Shane Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture, highlighted the opportunities being created for young people through a new national youth policy, including pathways in AI literacy, coding, robotics, climate leadership, music and film.
“Your responsibility is to be ready when those doors open,” he told the young audience. “Barbados is ready to hear your ideas, support your growth and see what you can build.”
He encouraged young people to move forward with a shared determination to contribute to the development of Barbados.
Young people leading change
A key feature of the celebration was the Youth Leading Change fireside conversation, which brought together UNICEF Youth Advocates Maria Marshall of Barbados and Ajernee Hodge of Saint Kitts and Nevis, alongside young entrepreneur and community advocate Akeme Cox.
The conversation explored youth leadership, overcoming challenges, finding purpose and using personal experiences to create positive change.
Marshall encouraged other young people to recognise that advocacy can begin with something as simple as seeing a problem and deciding to act.
“I didn’t start out thinking I wanted to be a UNICEF Youth Advocate. I just saw something that I wanted to change. I started small and it grew from there. If I can do it, you can too!”
Recognising the challenges, celebrating the possibilities
UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area Office Acting Deputy Representative Shohrat Orazov acknowledged the significant challenges facing young people across the region, including climate change and mental health concerns.
He highlighted UNICEF research showing that 35 per cent of children across six countries are already exposed to three or more climate hazards, while a 2025 UNICEF/CARICOM study found that 54 per cent of young respondents reported feelings of sadness, depression or hopelessness.
At the same time, Orazov pointed to the leadership and innovation being demonstrated by young people across the Caribbean.
“Across the Caribbean, you are leading climate action, helping shape mental health solutions such as Young Caribbean Minds, becoming Youth Ambassadors, and participating in the Green Rising Initiative, creating opportunities for young people to build skills, lead climate action and develop sustainable green and blue livelihoods,” he said.
A celebration of youth creativity
The programme also showcased the breadth of talent among young Barbadians, with performances and activities spanning music, dance, culture, environmental awareness, technology and innovation.
Young people took part in steel pan, drumming, dance and cheerleading performances, a Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps drill demonstration, a youth talk by Sam Sounds, an environmental awareness session and a presentation exploring robotics, innovation and opportunities in STEAM.
The Barbados Landship also featured as part of the day's cultural showcase.
The event was organised in partnership with the Division of Youth and Culture and UNICEF Eastern Caribbean, with contributions from the National Transformation Initiative, UNICEF Youth Advocates, youth organisations, community groups and participants from the national summer camp programme.
As the day demonstrated, young people may come from different contexts, but their aspirations are shared. They are looking for opportunities to learn, lead, create and contribute – and increasingly, they are showing that they are ready to do so.
