Mr Kendell Vincent, Chair, Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC) – Trinidad and Tobago, officially declared the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 open with calls for youth to be the architects of positive change within the Region.
The four-day Summit commenced yesterday, Wednesday, 22 November, at the AC Hotel Marriot, Kingston, Jamaica. Activities are being held under the theme: ‘Securing Our Future: Youth Co-Creating a Peaceful and Sustainable Caribbean Community.’
The CRYC Chair urged participants to use the platform to brainstorm a roadmap that will meaningfully impact youth development in the Caribbean, emphasising that the Summit is a movement, a force of change fuelled by the passions, ideas and commitment of youth.
Read his remarks below:
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and the vibrant youth of the Caribbean,
A warm and spirited welcome to the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023! As the Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, it’s both an honour and a thrill to stand before this dynamic assembly of change-makers, visionaries, and advocates for a brighter tomorrow.
We’ve gathered here not just for a summit but for a celebration of potential, innovation, and unity. Our Caribbean Region, with its tapestry of cultures and the resilience of its people, is the perfect backdrop for the discussions, collaborations, and actions that will unfold over the next four days.
The theme, ‘Securing Our Future: Youth Co-Creating a Peaceful and Sustainable Caribbean Community Against Gender-Based Violence,’ is not just a set of words. It’s a powerful rallying cry, a call to arms for each one of us to be architects of change in our communities.
As we delve into the sub-themes of ‘SECURE H.E.R.,’ ‘SECURE H.I.S.,’ and ‘SECURE T.H.E.M.,’ we’re not just exploring ideas; we’re crafting blueprints for a Caribbean that thrives on equality, understanding, and innovation.
Picture this: a Caribbean where ‘SECURE H.E.R.’ stands for empowerment, restoration, and economic independence for our incredible Caribbean women. Imagine ‘SECURE H.I.S.’ as a catalyst for positive masculinity, where our young men become champions of change, contributing to a more peaceful and just world. And let’s envision ‘SECURE T.H.E.M.,’ a focus on technology, health, environment, and motivation, where innovation and well-being converge for a brighter future.
Our objectives are not just aspirations; they’re the heartbeat of this summit. We aim to empower you, the youth, with the tools and knowledge to address the challenges that loom large in our societies. We’re here to foster shared leadership, creating a ripple effect that reverberates beyond these walls and throughout our Region.
The Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 is not just a summit; it’s a movement, a force of change fuelled by your passion, your ideas, and your commitment. The outcomes we seek are not checkboxes; they’re the seeds we plant today for the flourishing Caribbean of tomorrow—increased knowledge, enhanced commitment, a network of empowered youth leaders, and a roadmap for sustainable development.
So, let’s not just attend a summit. Let’s embark on a shared journey of discovery, collaboration, and action. The Caribbean’s future is in our hands, and together, we will shape it into a beacon of peace, equality, and sustainability.
I officially declare the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 open!
Let the movement begin! Thank you.
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