“Young people are at the heart of our Community, and their active involvement is vital to its future. This includes tackling the various hurdles and seizing the opportunities available. It is evident, therefore, that the contributions of our young people must be integrated into our sustainable development strategies.”
These sentiments were shared by CARICOM’s Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon, at the CARICOM Youth Forum: One Youth-One Voice, which was held on Thursday, 20 March, at the Baha Mar Convention Centre, New Providence, The Bahamas.
She congratulated the Government of The Bahamas for its vision in convening the forum and shared that the CARICOM Secretariat was honoured to support the event. She highlighted High Commissioner Miller-Brice’s leadership and stated that the initiative further enhanced CARICOM’s identity and community spirit in The Bahamas.
“Delegates, the Caribbean Community is at a pivotal moment. We are facing challenges generated by the changing geopolitical landscape, economic vulnerabilities, and climate-related phenomena. Yet, there are also, simultaneously, exciting opportunities for regional integration that will allow for the collective confrontation of these challenges and the pursuit of our national and regional development goals,” asserted the ASG.
Please read her complete remarks below.
Remarks by Ms. Elizabeth Solomon, Assistant Secretary-General
Directorate, Foreign and Community Relations
and Officer-In-Charge, Directorate, Human and Social Development
CARICOM Youth Forum: “One Youth, One Voice”
Nassau, The Bahamas | 20 March 2025
- Hon. Mario Bowleg, MP, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture;
- Hon. Leslia Miller-Brice, Ambassador of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Caribbean Community
- Her Excellency Jerusa Ali, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- Invited dignitaries and youth delegates;
- Ladies and gentlemen,
Good Morning.
It is with immense pleasure that I join you today to represent the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community at the 2025 “One Youth, One Voice” CARICOM Youth Forum being hosted here in the beautiful Bahamas.
This event is timely, as it provides an important platform for youth leaders to shape the Region’s future. Initiatives such as these enable the sharing of visions for engagement and development. They are strategically significant for the Community as they foster empowerment and inclusion, while promoting increased participation within CARICOM.
At the outset, let me express my congratulations to the Government of The Bahamas for its vision in convening this forum. The CARICOM Secretariat is honoured to be able to participate in this event. I wish to highlight, in particular, High Commissioner Miller-Brice and her leadership in this important initiative, which serves to further enhance the CARICOM identity and Community spirit in The Bahamas.
Delegates, the Caribbean Community is at a pivotal moment. We are facing challenges generated by the changing geopolitical landscape, economic vulnerabilities, and climate-related phenomena. Yet, there are also, simultaneously, exciting opportunities for regional integration that will allow for the collective confrontation of these challenges and the pursuit of our national and regional development goals.
Young people are at the heart of our Community, and their active involvement is vital to its future. This includes tackling the various hurdles and seizing the opportunities available. It is evident, therefore, that the contributions of our young people must be integrated into our sustainable development strategies.
This critical role for our youth in national and regional development, has long been recognised by CARICOM. The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme launched by Heads of Government in 1993 was a critical milestone in this journey.
The 2010 Declaration of Paramaribo further consolidated this recognition. It emphasised the unique perspectives, creativity, and vibrant energy of our youth, which are crucial for sparking societal transformation, driving technological innovation, and fostering sustainable development in our Region.
CARICOM deeply values these contributions and celebrates the significant progress of its youth across social, cultural, technological, political, sporting, and economic sectors, both within our region and beyond.
Today’s Forum encourages thoughtful discussions on regional identity, foreign policy, and integration priorities, with a focus on climate change, entrepreneurship, innovation, and developing youth agency, including through diplomacy. I look forward to the vibrant discussions, meaningful debates, and engaging connections to be made. More importantly, I anticipate your commitment to capitalising on the information and opportunities that this Forum will provide, for your own empowerment and that of other youth in your communities, workplaces, and other social spaces that you inhabit.
Delegates, you are invaluable partners on the developmental journey of our Community. You are, in fact, the future of our Community, as I am sure you understand well. Each of you must prepare to become a powerful force for peace, good governance, and sustainable development. The legacy of our integration efforts has shown that together, we are more powerful and effective. May today’s collaboration extend far and wide beyond this Forum. Let us work collectively to achieve remarkable things.
To Community and beyond!
Thank you.
