Antigua and Barbuda has once again gained international representation, this time through education and youth leadership, as Education Officer Nicolette Francis participated in a prestigious United Nations youth programme in Rome, Italy.

Francis, who serves within the Ministry of Education, represented the country at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Youth Leadership Programme Reflection and Advancement Convening, held from May 12–15.

The event brought together a select group of emerging leaders from around the world focused on advancing sustainable food systems and youth engagement in international policy discussions.

Her participation came after a highly competitive selection process that saw approximately 3,000 applicants worldwide, with only 50 young professionals chosen to take part.

The Youth Leadership Programme, organized through the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, aims to equip young leaders with the skills and opportunities needed to influence change within global food systems.

The initiative places emphasis on leadership development, systems thinking, and strengthening youth participation in decision-making at national, regional, and international levels.

Throughout the four-day convening, delegates reflected on the progress made during the programme’s initial phase while contributing recommendations for future strategies.

Discussions focused on expanding youth involvement, strengthening partnerships with institutions, and supporting global efforts linked to upcoming milestones, including the UN Food Systems Summit +6 and the 2027 Sustainable Development Goals Summit.

Speaking on the experience, Francis described the opportunity as both humbling and rewarding.

“I feel very blessed and honoured to be one of the fifty selected from three thousand applications. This training organized by the FAO taught me a lot, and I will be incorporating and applying what I learned in my daily operations,” she said.

The forum also served as a platform for collaboration and exchange, allowing participants to share perspectives from their countries, discuss innovative approaches to food security and sustainability, and build international partnerships.

For Antigua and Barbuda, the experience provided an opportunity to bring Caribbean voices into global discussions while gathering insights that can support local initiatives surrounding agriculture, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub covered travel and accommodation expenses for participants, reinforcing its investment in developing the next generation of leaders capable of influencing policy and creating sustainable solutions.

Francis’ participation also underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s broader commitment to empowering young professionals and ensuring the nation remains engaged in conversations shaping global development and sustainability efforts.