A delegation of youth representatives from Antigua and Barbuda is actively contributing to discussions at the 2026 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, currently underway at United Nations Headquarters from April 14 to 16.

Led by Director of Youth Affairs Dr. Jrucilla Samuel, the delegation includes National Youth Ambassadors Christal Percival, Amelia Williams, Kristine Louisa and Shacia Albertine, along with National Youth Volunteer Corps General Secretary Sara Bacchus and former CARICOM Youth Ambassador Esquire Henry.

The forum, held under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all,” brings together young leaders from around the world to help shape solutions to global challenges.

Dr. Samuel opened Antigua and Barbuda’s participation with a strong presentation on workforce development, highlighting what she described as the importance of “workforce rejuvenation.”

She told the forum that revitalising institutions requires more than recruitment, stressing the need for collaboration between experienced professionals and younger generations.

“The aim is not to replace experience, but to create synergy,” Samuel said, pointing to the value of combining institutional knowledge with the creativity and digital skills of youth.

However, she cautioned against rushing young people into leadership roles without proper preparation, arguing that sustainable leadership depends on structured development.

Samuel emphasised the need for young leaders to be equipped with quality education, meaningful work experience and mentorship grounded in accountability, resilience and integrity.

Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation is set to play a prominent role throughout the forum. On the second day, National Youth Ambassador Amelia Williams will address a Caribbean regional session on empowering youth innovation and unity, while Kristine Louisa will present on Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.

Esquire Henry, attending the forum for a second time at the invitation of the United Nations, will serve as moderator for the Caribbean breakout session.

On the final day, Christal Percival is expected to highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s progress on SDG 11, further positioning the country as an active contributor to sustainable development discussions.

During their visit, the delegation also met with Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aubrey Webson, who encouraged the young leaders to remain strong advocates for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Webson praised the group’s work across key areas including environmental sustainability, education, health, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, while also underscoring the importance of resilience and data-driven development under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS.

The ECOSOC Youth Forum serves as a major global platform for engagement, bringing together youth, governments and international partners to exchange ideas and accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s discussions place particular focus on clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and global partnerships—areas seen as critical to building a more sustainable future.