Youths who are often excluded from decision-making had an opportunity on Friday to express their opinions and future dreams for Small Island States.

The SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit commenced in Antigua and Barbuda with the theme “Small Islands, Big Dreams: Youth for SIDS Resilience.”

The event, organized by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, UNICEF, and the Ashley Lashley Foundation, aims to involve young people in discussions on pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and digital transformation.

During the opening ceremony at Government House, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams emphasized the importance of empowering the next generation to lead towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

“Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but they are the change leaders of today,” Sir Rodney added.

He noted that small islands have big dreams, and together with the youth leading the way “We can build a future where our communities thrive in harmony with nature and where every child and young person has the opportunity to flourish.”

The SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit is a significant gathering that is occurring alongside the SIDS4 conference at the American University of Antigua from May 27 to 30.

This summit brings together delegates from various regions, including the Caribbean, Cabo Verde, the Maldives, Micronesia, Fiji, and the Marshall Islands.

The participants are conveying their messages about the impact of climate change by advocating for sustainable cultural fashion and presenting their ideas through video presentations.