Caribbean Youth Dialogues 2025 in preparation of the ECOSOC Youth Forum

BACKGROUND

According to the United Nations Population Division's 2022 data, the Caribbean region has a total population of approximately 44.5 million people. Of this population, about 8.9 million individuals are aged between 15 and 29, representing roughly 20% of the total population. These figures underscore the significance of youth in the Caribbean's demographic landscape, highlighting the importance of addressing their unique challenges and harnessing their potential for sustainable development.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an opportunity to galvanize action aimed at promoting greater inclusion of youth in all spheres. This roadmap recognizes in several of its goals the centrality of the full incorporation of youth as a necessary condition to move towards more inclusive societies, in which no one is left behind, on a path to sustainable development. However, youth in the Caribbean face many challenges that need to be addressed as precursors to creating environments that enable them to reach their maximum potential to contribute to the achievement of SDGs by 2030, thereby leaving a legacy for future youth generations.

From a social perspective, the Caribbean is grappling with high poverty rates, inequality, escalating levels of crime and violence, elevated youth unemployment, and an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The region experiences some of the highest youth unemployment rates globally, with limited formal job opportunities. Notably, unemployment among young women has averaged around 30% since 2000, compared to 22% among young men. Escalating levels of crime and violence, including gender-based violence, is one of the main threats to social security, with the region also experiencing one of the highest rates globally. 

From an environmental perspective, Caribbean SIDS - due to their size and geographical location, are characterized by fragile natural environments; fresh-water scarcity; exposure to natural disasters (earthquakes and volcanic eruptions); and threats associated with the effects of climate change (higher intensity hurricanes, floods, landslides, and droughts). The impacts of climate change are becoming more evident in the region with more observed very hot days and nights in a year, rising sea levels and recent influxes of Sargassum blooms which have negatively impacted coastal communities and economies. 

The main goal of the Caribbean Youth Dialogues is to collect regional youth perspectives about the main discussion topics at this year’s ECOSOC Youth Forum guided by the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind.”  The dialogues will take place on zoom over the course of two evenings. The programme consists of several panels, in which various Caribbean themes are examined via discussions and presentations with youth representatives and experts. 

Key issues

SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SCHEDULE

Wednesday 26 March 

5:30 pm to 5:45 pm

Opening remarks 

5:45 pm to 6:45 pm

A promise to live better (SDG 3: Good health and well-being) 

Debate with Youth

6:45 pm to 7:45 pm

A promise to her (SDG 5: Gender equality)

Debate with Youth

7:45 pm to 8:00 pm

Key conclusions: Priorities of Caribbean Youth in SDGs 3 and 5
 

Thursday 27 March

5:30 pm to 5:35 pm

Opening Remarks 

5:35 pm to 6:35 pm

A promise to decent work and prosperity (SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth)

Debate with Youth

6:35 pm to 7:35 pm

A promise to the sea (SDG 14: Life below water)

Debate with Youth

7:35 pm to 7:45 pm

Key conclusions: Priorities of Caribbean Youth in SDGs 8 and 14