The exchange featured workshops on leadership, advocacy, and community engagement, aiming to empower youth as agents of change. Participants shared their views on education, mental health, housing, inclusion, and climate change, offering valuable input for the Dutch National Youth Strategy currently in development.
Youth participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet peers from neighbouring islands, highlighting how much they have in common and calling for more events that support connection and shared learning.
Melissa Robins Spanner, the Registrar from St. Eustatius, who attended the event, shared:
“It was truly inspiring to witness the energy and ideas of young people coming together. This programme not only motivates but empowers youth by showing them their ideas can lead to real impact.”
UNICEF’s senior children’s rights specialist Margje Troost noted:
“Young people must be given the tools and opportunities to contribute to their communities. Meaningful participation leads to fresh ideas and practical solutions that benefit everyone.”
This Youth Participation Exchange was organised by UNICEF the Netherlands in collaboration with the public entities of the BES islands and forms part of the BES programme, supported by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
