Island Innovation has selected the first 35 young people to take part in the new Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy (CCJLA).
Following a strict application process that saw hundreds of applicants from across the region, the first cohort was announced by Island Innovation in mid-July with the 35 participants hailing from every CARICOM nation in addition to other territories across the region.
The Programme is funded by the Open Society Foundations (OSF), the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.
The Caribbean region faces unprecedented challenges due to climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecological degradation.
Starting from July 25, 2023, the cohort will undergo a 10-week programme aimed at building their knowledge on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, international policies and how they impact the Caribbean.
Speakers will include Island Innovation CEO James Ellsmoor, Stop Ecocide Ambassador Nesha Abiraj, author Jeremy Williams, as well as Bajan tech entrepreneur and activist Donnya Piggott.
Five exceptional participants will be selected to attend COP28 in Dubai with all expenses covered, the remainder of the cohort will take part in Island Innovation’s annual COP virtual pavillion, which covers the two-week event and the latest developments related to islands.
Commenting on the start of the CCJA, Stacey Alvarez de La Campa, Program Manager at Island Innovation said, “It was incredible to experience the motivation, commitment, and diversity of the young people who were selected to be part of this inaugural cohort. Collectively, they represent a sense of purpose that is rooted in a wisdom far beyond their years. Despite their youth, they possess levels of expertise in relation to community action and climate-smart projects, projects which are a testimony to the participants’ resourcefulness, resilience, and understanding of the crucial role payed by facilitating meaningful, grassroots-level community empowerment.”
Island Innovation CEO James Ellsmoor added, “Communities across the region have been disproportionately impacted by climate change, and while this has led to a thriving, innovative sustainability sector, the core issues behind climate change still remain to be addressed. Young people have been at the forefront of the global movement for concerted and inclusive climate action. As such, the importance of the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy cannot be understated in terms of getting Caribbean voices represented at COP28.”
