A delegation of youth representatives from Antigua and Barbuda is making its mark at the 2026 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, held at UN Headquarters in New York from April 14 to 16. According to Antigua.news, the group is actively contributing to high-level discussions on sustainable development alongside young leaders from around the world.
The delegation is led by Director of Youth Affairs Dr. Jrucilla Samuel and includes National Youth Ambassadors Christal Percival, Amelia Williams, Kristine Louisa and Shacia Albertine, as well as National Youth Volunteer Corps General Secretary Sara Bacchus and former CARICOM Youth Ambassador Esquire Henry.
The forum is being held under the theme "Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all," bringing together youth delegates, governments and international partners to help shape responses to pressing global challenges.
Dr. Samuel opened Antigua and Barbuda's participation with a presentation on workforce development, centred on what she described as the importance of "workforce rejuvenation." She told the forum that revitalising institutions requires more than recruitment, emphasising the need for collaboration between experienced professionals and younger generations.
"The aim is not to replace experience, but to create synergy," Samuel said, highlighting the value of combining institutional knowledge with the creativity and digital skills of youth.
She also cautioned against placing young people in leadership roles without adequate preparation, arguing that sustainable leadership depends on structured development. Samuel stressed that young leaders must be equipped with quality education, meaningful work experience and mentorship grounded in accountability, resilience and integrity.
The delegation is set to play a prominent role throughout the remainder of the forum. On the second day, National Youth Ambassador Amelia Williams is scheduled to address a Caribbean regional session on empowering youth innovation and unity, while Kristine Louisa will present on Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities.
Esquire Henry, attending the forum for a second time at the invitation of the United Nations, will serve as moderator for the Caribbean breakout session. On the final day, Christal Percival is expected to highlight Antigua and Barbuda's progress on SDG 11, further establishing the country as an engaged contributor to global sustainability discussions.
During their time in New York, the delegation also met with Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aubrey Webson. He encouraged the young leaders to remain strong advocates for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), praising their work across key areas including environmental sustainability, education, health, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Webson also underscored the importance of resilience and data-driven development under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS.
This year's ECOSOC Youth Forum places particular focus on clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and global partnerships — areas considered critical to advancing the UN's 2030 Agenda.
