JAMAICA’S young people are being encouraged to add their voices to the debate on pressing global issues such as climate change and poverty.

Yanique Williams, senior director of the Department of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s Youth and Adolescent Policy Division, made the call while addressing the National Youth Symposium. young leaders on poverty and climate change at the regional headquarters of the University of the West Indies (UWI). at Mona, St Andrew, on Wednesday.

Williams said youth participation is key to addressing challenges, noting that “this symposium (provided) a meaningful platform to amplify youth voices and showcase their solutions.”

“Climate change and poverty are challenges that know no borders, requiring innovative thinking, collaborative action and an unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind,” she said.

Williams said the organization of the symposium aligned with the national celebration of Youth Month in Jamaica, under the theme: “IMPACT on Youth – Innovative Minds, Determined Action: Collective Triumphs”.

She assured that the Ministry remained steadfast in its mission to empower young people through education, vocational training and opportunities that enable meaningful participation in the development of Jamaica.

Several young people, representing higher education institutions and youth rights groups, participated in the symposium.

Also present were Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, in his capacity as Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), as well as UNDP officials.

Williams expressed his gratitude to Her Royal Highness for her dedication to amplifying the voices of young people across the world.

She said the ministry recognized the important role of strategic partnerships, particularly with UNDP, in facilitating many projects, citing initiatives regarding social justice and biodiversity, as well as the joint small arms and light weapons reduction programme. small caliber in Jamaica (SALIENT).

“Partnerships like these help us in our commitment to empowering young people, enabling them to lead and drive meaningful change here in Jamaica and around the world,” Williams said.

-JIS