Youths at the very centre of United Nations discussions on protecting the world’s marine resources

PRESS RELEASE

NEW YORK, 17th April, 2025…Antiguan and Barbudan youth are fully in action this week at the United Nations as they actively participate in crucial discussions that share similar themes and focus in helping to shape the future of small island states.

The twin island nation is represented by a strong delegation of young people at both meetings. On the second day of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water,  commanded the focus of the discussions.

Also taking place over the next two weeks is a pivotal Preparatory Committee meeting on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, otherwise known as the High Seas Treaty. The treaty, which Antigua and Barbuda has already ratified, is seeking to protect the marine resources of countries beyond their national boundaries. Representing Antigua and Barbuda at this meeting is First Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda Mission Asha Challenger, Crown Counsel Zachary Phillips and Legal Officer at the Department of Marine Services (ADOMS) Darius Joseph.

While speaking at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, Director of Youth Affairs, Dr. Jrucilla Samuel, insisted that the successful implementation of the BBNJ agreement “relies on an empowered workforce. So building youth capacity—values, skills and knowledge—is key for scientific research and innovation.”

With Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson present, Dr. Samuel further highlighted the pivotal role of the UWI Five Island Campus’ Centre of Excellence in developing Oceanography and the opportunities in the Blue Economy.

Meantime National and Caricom Youth Ambassador Esquire Henry, who was one of the moderators for the Caribbean session of the Youth Form, appealed for collective action, noting that ratifying the BBNJ Agreement was a “bold and timely move that underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s intent to strengthen ocean governance.”

“If we are to realise the promise of SDG 14 truly, we must move beyond policies and legislation and ignite a movement  rooted in education, empowerment, investments, and the mobilisation of all our people, especially our youth, fisherfolk, and coastal communities,” Henry affirmed.

Henry told the packed room of global delegates that Antigua and Barbuda is no stranger to sustainability initiatives. “Antigua and Barbuda has long demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems through a comprehensive and adaptive legislative framework,” he said.

Ambassador Webson joined the discussions by speaking briefly about the cornerstone pillars of the SIDS4 outcome document, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, the ABAS. The ABAS establishes the Antigua and Barbuda Centre of Excellence and its four strategic components – the SIDS Global Data Hub, an Innovation and Technology Mechanism, an Island Investment Forum, and a Debt Sustainability Support Service.

The Centre, according to Ambvassador Webson, will provide technical assistance, capacity development, and bolster knowledge sharing to support sustainable development initiatives for all SIDS.

Also forming part of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation attending the United Nations gathering are Youth Coordinator and Mobilization Officer, Rushell Ellis, and Programme Assistant Officer, Lael Farrell.

Wednesday’s session was held under the theme “Navigating our Future: Empowering Caribbean Youth to advance sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”