Youth Day 2025: Caricom urges stronger youth role in shaping sustainable Caribbean

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joined the region in celebrating Caribbean Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Caribbean Youth in Action: Localising the SDGs, Shaping Our Future.”
In a message to mark the occasion, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett underscored the importance of youth involvement in regional development and decision-making. She urged Governments, civil society, the private sector, and young people themselves to renew their commitment to building an environment where youth can actively participate in shaping the Caribbean’s future.
“Our young people’s voices, perspectives, and actions are crucial in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean,” Dr Barnett said.
According to the CARICOM Secretariat, young people across the region continue to play leading roles in several sectors, including climate resilience, social equity, cultural promotion, and digital innovation. Their contributions, it noted, are redefining possibilities and strengthening regional identity in a rapidly changing global environment.
The Secretariat highlighted recent policy efforts aimed at advancing youth development, including the revision of the Caribbean Youth Development Action Plan (CYDAP) to reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of young people. Additionally, work is underway to establish a regional youth development structure to facilitate sustained youth engagement and bridge the intergenerational gap.
Dr Barnett also pointed to the achievements of young people on the regional and international stage, citing their vibrant participation in the 15th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV), hosted in Barbados in August.
She reaffirmed that investing in youth skills and aspirations remains central to achieving the region’s broader development objectives.
“Our young people are vital partners in development. Investing in their skills, talents, and aspirations is fundamental to achieving the broader regional goals of sustainable development, social justice, and regional integration,” the Secretary-General stated.
Caribbean Youth Day is observed annually on September 30 to celebrate the contributions of young people to regional development and to highlight their role in building a sustainable future.