Youth Caribbean Activists Shake the World Stage

Youth voices have historically been absent from many decision-making tables. Even today, our traditional leaders are expected to be middle aged and male. However, that traditional image of leadership is rapidly changing as young people become increasingly more involved in leadership, political activism and climate action. Gen Z especially find themselves wielding social media, technology and an increasingly globalized political stage to amplify their messages. Caribbean climate activists are making their voices heard across the Caribbean and the Globe. From visiting the Hague to hear the first ever International Court of Justice hearings on climate change to Advising the UN Secretary General, Caribbean climate activists are embodying “we little but we tallawah”.

As the generation that will experience the most severe impacts of the climate crisis, young people are advocating for change at local, regional, and international levels. Youth involvement in global climate advocacy spaces leads to tangible benefits. Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovation and a sense of urgency to policy discussions. More than the previous generations, young people are prioritizing social justice and inclusivity in conversations about global climate change, reclaiming voices for the Global South.

Antigua and Barbuda CARICOM Youth Ambassador Esquire Henry.

One such figure is Esquire Henry, a CARICOM Youth Ambassador advocating for the interests of Caribbean small island states on the global stage. Henry has been Antigua and Barbuda’s Focal Point for the United Nations Youth Advisory Group for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean at UNESCO’s 13 Youth Forum. Speaking to the Antigua Observer about his experience, he stressed that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a long-term crisis with serious health and economic consequences. He emphasized the need for greater youth participation in climate decision-making to drive meaningful change.

He has also advocated for climate action at the 2024 Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. In 2025 Henry was the invited keynote speaker at the  Boston College Schiller Institute COP29 Symposium. During his visit he met with students and faculty researchers to build international cooperation and solidarity focused on youth activism and climate justice. Through this visit Henry was further able to amplify the needs of the Caribbean to a global audience.

Henry being introduced by Associate Director Kaley McCarty

Henry discussing with Boston College Students

Student Panel led by COP29 delegates from Boston College

Left to right: Henry being introduced by Associate Director Kaley McCarty; Henry discussing with Boston College Students; Student Panel led by COP29 delegates from Boston College.

Caribbean youth leaders play a crucial role in shifting the global conversation on climate justice. Their participation in international forums challenges the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. By engaging globally, they also gain valuable insights, fostering social innovation and international collaboration for the region’s development.

As a leader of the Caribbean front of the World Youth for Climate Change Bahamian Climate Justice Ambassador Ashawnté Russell delivered the Youth Statement at a Conference co-convened by the UN Climate Change Convention Secretariat and the UN Department for Economic Affairs. At the 5th Global Conference for Strengthening Climate and SDG Synergies, Russel advocated for more representation of young people in leadership. Not only did she advocate for do greater youth involvement , but she also addressed the risk of the Caribbean being excluded from important dialogues about addressing climate change.

Ashawnté Russell addressing the 5th Global Conference for Strengthening Climate and SDG Synergies.

In 2023 Russell, a GirlsCARE alum herself, was invited to speak to a new cohort of budding young activists about how young people can develop their skills in spaces where they are often the only youth representation. Programs like GirlsCARE: a mentorship program for young women to develop skills in advocacy, reflect youth’s growing interest in activism. As the climate crisis worsens in the region, young people have started developing spaces for them to empower each other to take the lead on the issues important to them.

Many governments have also begun to recognize the important role that youth play and have implemented programs to empower youth leaders. Youth leadership has been a priority for CARICOM governments, which implemented the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Program to increase awareness of regional issues and integrate young people into national and international policymaking.

Trinidad and Tobago Youth Ambassador engages in conversations about Youth Development.

For example, Henry is also a Youth Parliamentarian representing All Saints East and St Luke in the National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda (NYPAAB). Similar to the St Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA) and their counterparts of Montserrat, these youth civic engagement groups give young people a start in gaining skills for activism within their local communities and eventually the global stage.

Young Caribbean Climate activists are redefining youth involvement in governance, encouraging young people to take an active role in shaping their future rather than being passive participants. As future inheritors of societies, institutions, and economies, young people have both the right and responsibility to contribute to ethical and sustainable development. By amplifying Caribbean voices on the global stage, youth activists are paving the way for a more just and climate-resilient world.