From Africa to the Caribbean: Young people from SIDS make their voices heard
Young leaders share their perspectives, solutions and recommendations for resilient Small Island Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) include some of the most vulnerable countries on the planet. Compounding global crises including the COVID-19 pandemic have considerably slowed SIDS progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Children in SIDS are particularly vulnerable, as they face various risks including poverty and social inequity, climate change, and a denied access to resources and opportunities.
UNICEF recognizes the urgent need to respond to current social, cultural, environmental and economic challenges in Small Island Developing States, to safeguard children and young people’s future. So, ahead of the 4th UN SIDS Conference held from 27-30 May in Antigua and Barbuda, UNICEF, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Ashley Lashley Foundation organized the SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit (CYAS) to bring together and empower a diverse group of young leaders to take action on critical issues facing them.
With UNICEF’s support, young people from Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe, were among the 80 youth from across the world who convened at this historic gathering.
During their participation, these young leaders strengthened their advocacy, communication, movement-building, and negotiation capacities to support them in becoming effective changemakers. Recognizing the vital role they play in building a more resilient future for SIDS, youth presented their perspectives and solutions through SIDS Youth Action Plans, inviting funding partners to support their implementation.
The environment ensures the survival of humanity. So let us focus on protecting the environment and fighting climate change. This is crucial for the future of the world.
A more inclusive economy through which island states have more opportunities.
With climate and economic resilience heavily entwined in Small Island Developing States, UNICEF focuses on the development of climate-resilient, affordable, and safe service delivery models, and on building shock-responsive and resilient systems, while linking development and humanitarian interventions to climate action.
UNICEF has supported the implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway (SAMOA Pathway) 2014-2024 and now welcomes the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) which seeks to provide a robust framework to ensure meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes, support youth-led initiatives, and create opportunities for youth engagement in sustainable development. This conference outcome document is complemented by the 10-year Commitment to Action, a landmark call developed following a series of consultations with young people across SIDS.
