St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — The historic inaugural SIDS4 Child and Youth Action Summit (CYAS), a pivotal gathering for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), concluded successfully in Antigua and Barbuda. This milestone event, organized by the Ashley Lashley Foundation, UNICEF, and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, brought together over eighty delegates from the Caribbean, the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South-China Seas (AIS), and Pacific regions.
The summit’s goal was to create a robust “Commitment to Action” document. This document lays out concrete steps stakeholders are prepared to take across thematic areas such as Safe and Prosperous Societies, Resilient Economies, Secure Future, Environmental Integrity, and Planetary Sustainability. Each regional group presented a project aimed at tackling specific challenges faced by their communities.
Mr. Caleb Gardiner, representative of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Chair of the National Steering Committee, highlighted the importance of youth involvement in solving regional issues. “This summit not only fosters dialogue but is a testament to the power of inclusive youth engagement in crafting sustainable futures for our islands,” Gardiner said. He further praised the organising teams’ comprehensive agenda and collective efforts, emphasizing the overarching benefits to Antigua and Barbuda. The Summit was further supported by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations through Mr. Claxton Duberry and Ms. Asha Challenger.
Ashley Lashley, Executive Director of The Ashley Lashley Foundation, expressed her motivation for initiating the summit, “Our youth face myriad challenges daily, and it is crucial that they are integral to our decision-making processes. This summit aims to be a beacon of unity and action for SIDS youth, setting the stage for annual gatherings that drive substantial change.”
The summit unfolded over several days, featuring workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to forge actionable pathways for the future. Mr. Gardiner extended his gratitude to his steering committee, including members from the Department of Youth Affairs, the Department of Environment, Ms. Sanka Riley from the Office of the Prime Minister, and Ms. May-Olga Browne from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commending their dedication and commitment.
Special thanks were also given to Assistant Superintendent of Police Jeffrey Morgan, in charge of major events, and Devon Graham, in charge of the traffic department, alongside Mr. Shawn Greenidge, Director of Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services, the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and Ms. Candier Lewis of South Coast Horizon, for their exemplary leadership and responsiveness throughout the summit.
This groundbreaking summit marks the beginning of a transformative journey for SIDS, with the youth at the helm of advocating for and implementing sustainable solutions across their regions.
