Esquire Henry participates in Paris youth forum centred on climate change

Esquire Henry, who serves as the Focal Point for the United Nations Youth Advisory Group for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recently attended the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris, France.

The event took place from 13 to 15 November, 2023, during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris.

Henry was part of a group of around twenty (20) Caribbean youths who attended the forum.

The UNESCO Youth Forum is an integral part of the General Conference and has been held every two years since 1999 to enable youth to submit their recommendations and solutions to UNESCO Member States.

The 13th Forum edition focused on the social impact of climate change and the need to achieve an equitable climate transition. Young people from all over the world participated in the event, and Henry was delighted that the focus was on climate change.

Henry, who is also a National and CARICOM Youth Ambassador, stressed that climate change is not just an environmental matter but rather a long-term issue with serious health and economic implications for everyone.

He believes that when we take climate change seriously, we can help find effective and sustainable solutions.

Young people must be part of the dialogue and decision-making if any real change is to be achieved.

The UNESCO Youth Forum serves as a testament to the vital role youth play in combating climate change.

According to UNESCO, the forum touched upon core international mechanisms, such as the Paris Agreement, which aspires to limit global warming and safeguard the planet for future generations.

The 13th UNESCO Youth Forum was a timely and unique occasion to identify solutions and responses intended to stimulate hope, unity, and collective action among youth.