UNICEF & Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment Ministry host “Climate Action and YOU(th) Symposium”

by Kevon Browne

St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—The Ministry of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, in partnership with UNICEF, hosted the inspiring “Climate Action and YOU(th) Symposium” on March 04.

According to the Ministry, students from secondary schools across the Federation gathered to discover their role in the fight against the negative impacts of climate change and to shape a sustainable future.

Clive Murray, Climate, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED) Specialist at UNICEF, said that youth are the closest to the problem.

Thus, their inclusion in policy and decision-making is paramount.

“Children and young people are uniquely positioned to be drivers of transformation in the fight against climate change. They are the closest to the problem and can play a critical role in identifying and implementing effective solutions. Moreover, all of society benefits when climate policies are characterised by children and young people. Despite the many benefits, children and young people are too often excluded from crucial climate policies and policymaking. Today, St. Kitts and Nevis continues its work to change that narrative.”

Hon. Dr Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, emphasised that youth should not be relegated to future stakes but must be included in the present, as those who will take up the mantle to carry on the work of sustainability.

“We bring you here because it is important that we engage with you as the key stakeholders of the present and the future. And I must say, the present, because our host would remind me that young people don’t want to have a stake only in the future. You want to have a stake in the present, and that’s why your voices are so critical now.”

Tristan Ward, Climate, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer at UNICEF, shared a tool to examine how climate change impacts affect youth in the Federation.

“With St. Kitts and Nevis, we’ve created a tool, a climate tool that’s called the Children’s Climate Risk Index. Basically, it means that this tool provides more clarity, a greater and a clearer picture on how children are vulnerable to climate change in St. Kitts, not just how, but the areas within the country, right? Where? In specific areas, you know, so maybe it’s up in St. Paul’s, maybe it’s lower down in Basseterre, for example, right? And it shows us where your greatest exposures are to some of the climate hazards. It’s been mentioned here already this morning. Hurricanes, droughts, and the heat that you’re feeling in the classrooms. Where are you most exposed to this? So with this kind of information, the government and the ministry now have the evidence to better plan and take action in your interest.”

Minister Clarke said that real change can only happen when we bring all affected to the table.

“I want to remind you that partners like UNICEF and the Ministry of Environment, even our communications partner, Constituency Empowerment, Climate Action, we do this because we recognise that changing or breaking that connection can only happen if we engage. If we come together, if we share our experiences, and of course, we engage the most important group, which is our young people.”

The Climate Action and YOU(th) Symposium, ensuring youth voices play a key role in updating the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and developing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).