ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, April 28, 2015 – Governments and youth leaders from Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean have gathered here to address regional and global youth development challenges and opportunities.
The Caribbean Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CR-CYMM) is convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat and hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in St John’s, between 28 and 30 April 2015.
The theme of the meeting is: Youth participation at the heart of national development.
Ministers, senior officials from Ministries responsible for youth development and youth leaders will discuss policy responses to issues such as youth employment and entrepreneurship, participation in civic and political processes, the role of young people in peace building, and the professionalisation of the youth work sector.
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj said: “The Caribbean has one of the youngest populations in the Commonwealth, with more than 60 percent of people aged 29 years or under. This makes this generation an enormous asset to the region’s development – not just tomorrow, but today.
“We recognise that young people are playing a vital role in strengthening communities and championing democratic processes, leading and delivering change. But many also face challenges related to unemployment, climate change, health issues or conflict. Young people are feeling the squeeze in the labour market, may lack the capital to start a business, or can be shut out of democratic decision-making.
“Commonwealth member governments are using this meeting, hosted and led by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, to signal their commitment to young people and ensure that policy priorities are aligned to young people’s ambitions and needs.”
During the meeting, Ministers, senior officials and youth leaders will review current trends in youth development and identify areas where action is needed to advance youth empowerment in the Caribbean. Delegates will focus on challenges and opportunities for
the region, as well as new global development goals, which are to be agreed at the United Nations later in 2015.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development, the Honorable Samantha Marshall, stated: “it is important for delegates at the upcoming meeting to explore the critical issues related to youth development in the Caribbean Region in an effort to identify priorities for national investment, Commonwealth assistance, and deeper bilateral relations.
She said that “like member countries, youth unemployment is a priority issue in Antigua and Barbuda hence the need for the delegates to focus on job creation as a key part of sustainable growth, explore strategies aimed at stimulating employment through youth enterprise; and look at ways to develop young people’s entrepreneurial skills.” The Minister believes “this is critical for the promotion of financial inclusion of young people, to improve the linkages between education and human resource development.”
On 28 April, Caribbean youth leaders will participate in a Youth Leaders’ Forum. The forum is managed by the Commonwealth Youth Council and Caribbean Regional Youth Council and supported by the youth leaders of Antigua and Barbuda. Ministers will meet between 29 and 30 April.
Timothy Ferdinand, Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, a member of the Commonwealth Youth Council, said: “This meeting will help to strengthen relationships between Youth Ministries and youth organisations and will enhance youth participation in decisions about issues that affect young people in the Caribbean.”
