Youths draft declaration on climate change at Advocacy & Youth Forum 2023

Following a three-day Advocacy and Youth Forum hosted by the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) and UNICEF, a total of 150 young people came together to draft a declaration on climate change.
The three-day event, held in observance of International Youth Day 2023, saw a range of topics being discussed, including Climate Change, Green Skills and Youth, Entrepreneurship and Youth, Life Skills, Mental Health and Youth and Immunization.
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson, during the final day of the initiative, stated that he was proud of the initiative coming out of youths at the event.

“Being able to raise awareness and be part of the global conversation is really important for the kind of future we are going to inherit. Climate change is real, and is caused by a lot of our activities. We have to find the solutions…and I am extremely pleased to join in the conversation,” he said.
Commenting on the forum and the youth declaration on climate change, UNICEF Deputy Representative Irfan Akhtar noted the forum has achieved its goal. “This forum was very engaging and strategic in terms of bringing youths from different regions to reflect and discuss various issues, like climate change and other issues affecting them. They have developed a plan of action and drafted a Youth Declaration that will guide and shape their intentions going forward,” Akhtar said.
Chief Executive Officer of RCC, Andre Gonsalves, expressed contentment while adding, “I cannot wait for them [the youths] to present it [Youth Declaration] to the Government and other stakeholders. I know it’s going to be an inclusive document. It includes voices from the National Toshao Council (NTC), the Indigenous people’s group, and the migrant groups.
“They spoke highly of including Indigenous voices…so there are so many angles, topics and issues to be addressed. I am very proud of my Guyanese youths and children for the position they are taking to advocate for their rights,” he added.
Meanwhile, a participant, Delroy Marks of Region Six, said the forum encouraged him to use his voice as a youth. “I have met a lot of youths from across the country that are very passionate about the same topics as me, which include climate change, mental health, human rights and children rights. This forum allowed me to create a voice to bring awareness and create an impact in society.”
Sharing similar sentiments, Kimora Payne of Region Four related, “From this forum, I have learned a lot about green skills and the part youths play in making the world a better place. I also learned there are better ways to help with the earth and global warming, and I am really happy to have been a part of such a forum.”
The three-day forum concluded with a panel discussion and mini exhibition, led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in collaboration with the UN Guyana Volunteers.
Also, in attendance at the closing were British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller; United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Gerardo Noto, and others.
This year, International Youth Day is observed under the theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.”