Caribbean youth were represented by a powerful voice at the United Nations on Monday as Luke James-Trim, CARICOM Youth Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, took the international stage during the Caribbean Regional Breakout Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. Representing the Region, James-Trim delivered an inspiring intervention highlighting the enduring strength of Caribbean partnerships and the need for inclusive development models.
“I speak from a space that is often underrepresented but never lacking in vision, voice, or value. For small island developing states like ours, partnerships are not just helpful; they are essential. Whether it is in climate resilience, education, food security, or economic diversification , we cannot go it alone. But more importantly, we shouldn’t have to.”
His words highlighted the importance of incorporating the voices of small island developing states (SIDS) in the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Partnerships must be grounded in equity, respect, and cultural relevance. In the Caribbean,
development cannot be imposed. It must reflect who we are. For small island states, true
progress can look like responding to the need for more localized development cooperation by
empowering civil society, youth, and indigenous voices not as recipients, but as co-creators of
sustainable solutions,” he added.
This year’s Forum, held at UN Headquarters in New York, focused heavily on advancing SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. For James-Trim, the theme was deeply resonant.
“SDG 17 reminds me so strongly of the CARICOM integration movement,” he shared in an interview after his intervention. “It was through strategic partnership that we built our shared Caribbean identity, especially through mechanisms like the [CARICOM Single Market and Economy] CSME. That spirit of cooperation is what continues to drive regional resilience, and it’s exactly what global development needs today.”
In addition to his address at the UN, James-Trim served as moderator at the Caribbean Youth Dialogues hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. He guided discussions on the need for improved mental health access, sexual and reproductive health education, and universal healthcare across Caribbean territories. He emphasised the importance of youth leadership in shaping regional health policies and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
His message at the ECOSOC Youth Forum was timely:
“The Caribbean has always shown the world what’s possible when unity meets purpose. Our partnerships are not just political, they are cultural, economic, and deeply human.”
Listen to Luke’s presentation at the Caribbean Regional Breakout Session of the ECOSOC Youth Forum below.
