MESSAGE FROM DR. CARLA BARNETT SECRETARY-GENERAL, CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY |12 AUGUST 2026
"Different Contexts, Common Aspirations"
As the world marks International Youth Day, I extend warm greetings to young people across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and celebrate your continued contribution to national and regional development.
This year’s theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”, reflects the reality that you come from different countries, cultures and communities, yet many of your aspirations are shared. You seek quality education, decent work, safety, good health, opportunity and a genuine voice in the decisions that affect your lives. These aspirations are being pursued amid rapid technological change, increased climate change-related disasters, rising living costs, crime and violence, and growing concerns around mental and emotional health.
Across generations, young people have helped shape our economies, culture, sport, public institutions and social movements. Today, that contribution continues through entrepreneurship, digital innovation, agriculture, climate action, volunteerism, the creative industries, and community leadership.
CARICOM recognises that youth development is intrinsic to regional growth and sustainable development. When the experiences of young people are absent from decision-making, policies are less responsive to their realities.
The revised CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan recognises that young people need access to education, decent work, finance, and mental health support, and therefore focuses attention on entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, digitisation and technology, and mental health, while establishing clearer milestones to guide regional action.
Through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme, the CARICOM Young Professionals Programme, and other initiatives, we are strengthening connections between education, employment, entrepreneurship, mobility, and public service, while creating more regular engagement between young people, governments, and Regional Institutions.
This year’s theme also reminds us that opportunity is not experienced equally. Rural and hinterland youth, young people with disabilities, indigenous youth, migrants, unemployed youth, young women and girls, and those outside education or training face additional barriers.
To the young people of the Caribbean Community, continue to bring forward your ideas, build across borders, and use your skills to strengthen your communities and the wider Region, towards a shared Caribbean future for dignity, opportunity and progress.
CARICOM remains committed to working with you in shaping that future.
Happy International Youth Day!
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