“Caribbean students speak out with UN leader”
July 17
Students have a clear vision of the future they want, and as Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados reports, they were not hesitant to share those views with the United Nations Secretary General when he attended the CARICOM Heads of Government summit.
Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary General, paid a visit to Barbados for the 36th CARICOM Heads of Government Summit, but while he was here took time out of his hectic schedule to hear from the youth of the region.
On Friday July 3rd 2015, university and secondary students gathered at the campus of U.W.I. Cave Hill as well as over Skype to attend the “Caribbean Youth Speak: The World We Want Post-2015” youth symposium, and quite the engagement it was.
Young voices from all over the region were heard raising points about issues such as crime, violence (both gender-based and otherwise), youth unemployment and climate change. The dialogue was lively, and after interviewing a few students, it was made clear that the gesture of his listening was much appreciated, and that the students felt that they were indeed heard.
Click here to see the video: Caribbean Youth Speaks Out
photo credit: Støre møter Ban i Kampala, Uganda – 2 via photopin (license)
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About me:
I am a Barbadian-Canadian and the founder of ‘Youth For Epic Change’, a charity aimed at raising funds for causes both locally and globally and inspiring teens in Barbados to be the catalyst for positive change. I am also the innovator behind Girl2B, a digital media platform and educational tool aimed at helping girls and young women to become successful entrepreneurs. View my personal blog at www.unleashthepowerofone.tumblr.com.
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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/
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