The Caribbean Youth Environment Network brought local young people to the Bay Gardens conference room this week for a two-day session to discuss issues of importance to the local environment.
The St. Lucia chapter has been deemed to be a huge success, as outlined by Focal Point Person for the Conference Marissa Auguste. “This is the first ever local conference of youth for St. Lucia. It’s held and endorsed under YOUNGO which is the official constituency of youth for the United Nations framework convention on climate change. Every year they endorse different countries to host local conferences that bring together young people to discuss climate and sustainability actions.”
The conference is expected to develop recommendations and formalize the positions of the country’s youth population. “That youth statement would act as our national youth statement for global conversations on sustainability and climate change. This year the topics include water, energy and food security, adaptation resilience, climate finance as well as agriculture and food security.”
Participants of the two-day event included individuals from a wide cross section including the private sector, civil society organizations, youth organizations and national youth councils, local businesses and development partners.
The June 16th and 17th conference reportedly exceeded its participation targets forcing organizers to rethink the St. Lucia chapter.
The organizers of Caribbean Youth Environment Network 2026 are already thinking about the 2027 edition and what may be possible for this event.