Bridgetown 08, July 2022 – Youth advocates and young leaders in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean are collectively raising their voices and sounding the alarm in an effort to accelerate climate action in the region. Through the United Nations Development Programme’s Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) Initiative, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, National Beautification, Blue and Green Economy one of Barbados', climate-focused youth organizations has received approximately BBD 20,000 in funding and technical support towards hosting the 2-day Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit and Expo. The Ashley Lashley Foundation (ALF), responsible for the Summit and Expo, launched this initiative with the aim of meaningfully engaging and empowering youth to be part of the climate change dialogue as well as becoming powerful agents for climate action.

As the impacts of climate change intensify over time, it is clear that the youth and future generations will bear the heaviest burdens of its impacts. The Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit and Expo is therefore timely as it presented an opportunity for Barbados' young people to come together and discuss pertinent climate change issues with representatives from across key government ministries and departments, alongside representatives of international agencies, as well as stakeholders from leading civil society organizations in country.

The Summit and Expo featured a series of panel discussions which included local youth advocates and activists in a hybrid format to facilitate in person as well as virtual participation. An exhibition highlighted the work of national organizations including youth organizations as well as international agencies such as UNDP through its Climate Promise, the Blue Economy Accelerator Lab, EnGenDER initiatives and the GEF Small Grants Programme, in demonstrating the work of UNDP at a national and regional level in helping to reduce climate impacts and in driving blue and green climate related technology solutions.

Speaking at the launch Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy the Honorable Mr. Adrian Forde “Climate Change is a fight for all us and I am saying to young people today continue the good fight, we are going to give you the resources to help achieve these goals.”

 Signaling the importance of the Summit and Expo UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s Deputy Resident Representative Ugo Blanco congratulated youth advocates noting  “This Youth Summit aligns perfectly with UNDP’s Blue Economy for Green Islands vision which is an opportunity to achieve the triple bottom line of sustainable development with positive environmental and economic impacts that places people at its core. The Summit is not only about showcasing the work done in Barbados to develop and support resilience, it is also putting young people first by providing several platforms for the youth of Barbados to share their thoughts, concerns and most importantly their vision for a resilient Barbados. Let us ensure that this summit does not end on Saturday but let us commit to supporting the ideas shared. "

UNDP’s funding of this initiative is part of the organization's work under the PAGE Initiative. The aim of which is to offer countries assistance in the strengthening of public support and behaviour change for a sustainable economy and at a global service level in the provision of platforms for inspiring action. The Barbados Youth Climate Action Summit and Expo is well aligned to these two strategic pillars and the UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, National Beautification, the Blue and Green Economy is pleased to support of this event.

As exogenous threats like COVID-19 continue to impact the region, it is vital that developmental efforts continue to reinforce the need for regional resilience, building forward better and bolstering livelihoods for traditionally vulnerable groups.  UNDP, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, remains dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region. This programme is part of the work of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in its commitment to promoting economic diversification, job creation and resilience with the "Blue Economy for Green Islands" vision.

For media queries please contact Shani Leacock – shani.leacock@undp.org

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UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.bb.undp.org or follow at @UNDPBarbados