Supporting Tomorrow's Leaders: Creating Opportunities for Youth
Prior to Hurricanes Maria and Irma, the Caribbean region suffered from some of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, on average above 20% – a troubling statistic that has only been exacerbated by the social and economic devastation in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane season. Lack of employment opportunities, unstable home and school environments, high youth crime rates, and long-term trauma are risking the birth of a new “lost generation.” With so much at stake for the future leaders of the Caribbean, now is the time to reinforce the social and economic safety-nets which can empower young people to envision and create viable, prosperous and more inclusive communities. Speakers in this plenary session highlighted successful strategies for supporting youth in the Caribbean region – such as expanding mental health services and creating apprenticeship and job-training programs – and celebrate the vibrancy and dynamism of youth as shepherds of a new, resilient and prosperous Caribbean identity.
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