Background

The Caribbean has made significant progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in improving the lives of youth, but challenges remain. 

SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): While most Caribbean countries have achieved high levels of access to basic drinking water services, the transition from basic to safely managed services remain uneven. Aging distribution networks contribute to high levels of non-revenue water, while wastewater treatment and sludge management coverage remain limited in several countries. Climate-related shocks including droughts and hurricanes, frequently disrupt supply systems and damage infrastructure, with disproportionate consequences for youth in rural and low-income communities. Schools are particularly vulnerable to intermittent water access, affecting attendance, hygiene standards and learning continuity. There is the need for climate-resilient water governance, improved data systems and investments in integrated water resource management to close these gaps and safeguard human capital formation.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Several Caribbean SIDS have expanded renewable energy generation, particularly solar photovoltaic and wind installations. National energy policies increasingly target diversification and energy efficiency, supported by regional development partners. However, Caribbean SIDS continue to experience among the highest electricity tariffs globally due to fuel-import dependence, small-scale grids and system losses. Grid vulnerability to extreme weather events further disrupts supply and economic activity. For youth, high energy costs raise barriers to entrepreneurship, digital participation and innovation, while prolonged outages interrupt schooling and remote work. Although the energy transition offers significant employment potential in renewable installation, maintenance and energy auditing, workforce readiness requires strengthened TVET systems aligned with green economy priorities.

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): The Caribbean has expanded mobile broadband coverage and advancing digital transformation initiatives, including e-government platforms and innovation hubs. Youth engagement in ICT services, fintech and creative industries is rising. However, connectivity gaps persist in rural and underserved areas, and broadband affordability remains uneven, with digital divides embedded in policy frameworks and implementation.  Critical infrastructure such as ports, transport systems, water networks and telecommunications, remains highly exposed to climate hazards, resulting in recurrent reconstruction costs and productivity losses. Limited economies of scale and high logistics costs further constrain industrial diversification. Closing digital divides and investing in resilient infrastructure are therefore essential to enhance youth employment and competitiveness.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Caribbean governments have strengthened disaster risk management frameworks and early warning systems, particularly following major hurricanes. However, urban expansion into hazard-prone coastal and hillside areas continues, compounded by housing shortages and affordability constraints. Young people are disproportionately represented among renters and residents of informal or vulnerable settlements, increasing exposure to climate risks. Displacement following disasters frequently disrupts schooling and early career development. Sustainable urban development in the Caribbean context requires integrated land-use planning, resilient housing finance mechanisms and inclusive municipal governance.

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): is critical to advancing youth development particularly within the vulnerability context of Caribbean SIDS. The ABAS underscores the need for reformed financing, climate resilience, and strengthened human capital investment which are priorities that directly affect youth employment, entrepreneurship, and social protection. Regional actors like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and ECLAC support these efforts through policy coordination and technical cooperation; however, there is still a need for strengthening institutionalized youth participation in budgeting, infrastructure planning and SDG monitoring, alongside creating dedicated financing mechanisms for youth-led initiatives.