SIDs4Youth: Ishmael, Advocate for Change

UNESCO Kingston

Hi Ishmael, how did the SIDS Children and Youth Action Summit inspire youths to continue to be advocates for change?

"Small Island! Big Dreams! CYA for SIDS!

This chant, raised by the Caribbean youths and joined by the members of SIDS, rallied the youths of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to unite and call for action. The SIDS Children and Youth Action Summit (CYAS) brought together over 80 youth from across SIDS to the Caribbean region, accomplishing a monumental task.

The Virtual Journey

Our virtual collaboration had its pros and cons, but the strong leadership within the group, especially by Ms. Tyeisha Emmanuel, helped us stay focused and determined. Caribbean delegates were always there to motivate and encourage each other, providing valuable advice that kept us moving forward. These moments of virtual camaraderie were cherished, highlighting the progress we made together before finally meeting in person.

The In-Person Experience

Meeting in person was an exhilarating experience. Seeing some of the most influential Caribbean and SIDS youth in one place was inspiring. The energy was palpable as we gathered to finalize our project and introduce ourselves. Late-night meetings, sometimes extending into the early morning hours, were intense but necessary to bring our vision to life.

The Youth Movement Master Class

One major highlight of the summit was the Youth Movement Master Class by Mr. Bertrand Moses. This session was engaging and energetic, providing me with valuable insights and strategies for creating and enhancing youth movements. It was a transformative experience that refined my concepts and inspired me to build upon existing initiatives.

The Presentation: A Defining Moment

The presentation of our regional proposal was the most intense moment of the summit. Although I wasn't presenting, I felt the pressure alongside my friends, Ms. Amber Turner from The Bahamas and Ms. Tamoy Campbell from Jamaica. Watching them present, while we supported and cheered them on, was a moment of pride and unity. The stakeholders' questions tested our coordination and knowledge, but we responded diligently, showcasing our readiness and determination. Also, when our leader of our group coordinated the end to have us hold our green poster cards and cheer on for sustainability. My friends really did show that "Caribbean girls run it, ask RiRi!" - Nicki Minaj.

The Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was a touching moment of reflection. Despite the heartache of the summit coming to an end, I found solace in Philippians 1:6: "being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ." I am confident that my fellow delegates will continue the work that the Lord has set out for us.

The ceremony concluded with a special surprise: commitments from dignitaries. I had the honor of sitting at the table of the 78th United Nations General Assembly President, His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis among other distinguished guests: Ambassador Samantha Rampersaud, Mr. Mohamed Saani Simaadh, Rae Ann-Marie Rettin, Diosdado Morera, Riddhi Samtani, Mr. Lutrell John. His commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and sustainable future for all resonated deeply with us. His words, "I am committed to earning your trust and support in creating a safe, inclusive, and sustainable future for all," left a lasting impression.

Conclusion

The first SIDS CYAS was a phenomenal success, and there was no better place to host it than the Caribbean. I look forward to many more summits and wish all the best to future generations of SIDS youth. Together, we can continue to inspire change and create a better world for all.