The Forum aims to advance solutions from youth for the Region’s critical developmental objectives while encouraging and supporting youth participation in national life.
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the H.E. Leslia Miller-Brice, The Bahamas’ Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), will engage Bahamian youth and Caribbean youth leaders, including Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Vanessa Burke, on CARICOM’s potential to effect meaningful change in areas including sustainable development, entrepreneurship and climate adaptation.
On Thursday 20 March, high school students will convene at the Baha Mar Convention Centre, New Providence from 10:00 am for the CARICOM Youth Forum. At this session, they will participate in interactive panel discussions with career diplomats, leaders in the public service, and youth ambassadors. Discussions will focus on the unique perspectives, creativity and vibrant energy that our youth bring to policy development.
Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon will deliver remarks at the formal opening. Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis, will also engage youth delegates as a part of these youth-led discussions.
Youths’ Role in Diplomacy and Shaping the Future of Caribbean Relations
The Forum, themed “One Youth, One Voice,” is supported by the Government of The Bahamas and the CARICOM Secretariat. It will also comprise local and regional guest panellists who will lead discussions on youth and their role in effecting change in regional development.
The role of youth in diplomacy and shaping the future of Caribbean relations in geo-political issues and how climate change is reshaping CARICOM and The Bahamas’ foreign policy, will be main focal areas.
Decisions from the 48th HGC will shape discussions
The CYF is occurring one month after the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government held in Barbados where leaders agreed that the Community should take steps to safeguard its market access with key trading partners, strengthen internal trade arrangements and further diversify its external trade arrangements. Discussions on Caribbean Entrepreneurship will focus on these areas and the ways innovative solutions can improve the competitiveness of regional industries.
Regarding climate change, CARICOM leaders noted the importance of coordinated and strategic efforts to reinforce regional priorities, especially in the lead-up to the United Nations’ Conference of the Parties (COP 30) scheduled for 10 – 21 November 2025 in Brazil.
These decisions by Heads of Government will form the basis for discussions among youth at the CYF.
The Forum aims to advance solutions from youth for the Region’s critical developmental objectives while encouraging and supporting youth participation in national life.
Additional Events:
Events in the margins include the launch of a national proposal for a Regional Mangrove Planting Day during a planting ceremony at Bonefish Pond National Park and a school visit to the Junior Sailors Programme at the Uriah McPhee Primary School Sailing Club. The Regional Mangrove Planting Day campaign will highlight the significance of mangrove forests to regional ecosystems and commemorate CARICOM’s ongoing efforts in climate adaptation and mitigation.
The school visit and engagements with the Junior Sailors Programme will commemorate two years of sailing as the National Sport of The Bahamas and the vital role sailing and regattas play in the social, economic, and cultural development of the diverse communities throughout the Caribbean’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
