In a powerful address at the opening ceremony of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS) on 27th May, Aquanjé Robinson, Executive Research Officer in the Ministry of Environment, made an impassioned call for youth inclusion beyond tokenism, urging world leaders to give young people a genuine stake in shaping sustainability policy.
Representing youth delegates from across the globe—including participants from the Caribbean, Fiji, the Maldives, and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—Robinson delivered a bold statement on behalf of a generation that has inherited the climate crisis but refuses to be sidelined in finding the solutions.
“We gathered not merely to speak, but to be heard. We gathered to learn, and we gathered for change,” Robinson declared, referencing the Island Youth Forum held on 25th and 26th May ahead of the summit. The forum was a platform for youth leaders to exchange ideas and develop unified calls to action which, he noted, flowed directly into the summit’s formal discussions.
In front of a global audience, Robinson challenged the performative nature of some youth engagement efforts and called on decision-makers to rethink how they include young people in climate governance. “We are the architects of the future who deserve a seat at the table—not just when it’s time to smile for the camera, but when decisions are being made,” he said. “We want to be called upon from beginning to end.”
Robinson highlighted a poignant moment from the forum that exemplified inclusive values—youth participants waving their hands in silent applause to include disabled peers. “It was an example of what genuine belonging looks like—unforced, powerful, and affirming,” he shared.
His address culminated in a clear appeal to policymakers: “Let spaces like these not just end at speeches. Let them feed real policy. Let them open doors to planning, to budgeting, to impact.”
Emphasising that young people are not merely “leaders of tomorrow,” Robinson affirmed that they are already capable contributors to today’s climate and development agendas. “We are not interested in inheriting a planet in crisis, wrapped in promises. We want to help manage it now.”
His remarks were met with widespread affirmation from summit delegates and global observers alike, underlining the growing recognition that youth engagement must evolve from symbolic presence to sustained participation in global sustainability efforts.
The 2025 Global Sustainable Islands Summit, hosted for the first time in St. Kitts and Nevis, continues through the week with sessions focused on renewable energy, climate finance, ocean conservation, and inclusive development.
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from SKN Source! Click here to join our WhatsApp group and get updates straight to your mobile. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more stories and insights!
Be the first to comment on "Youth Voice Commands Global Attention at Sustainable Islands Summit"