Aquanjé Robinson Urges Action at Global Sustainable Islands Summit

Aquanjé Robinson, a young Executive Research Officer from the Ministry of Environment, delivered a powerful address on behalf of global youth delegates at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS) held in St. Kitts. His speech, echoing the sentiments gathered from the preceding Island Youth Forum, resonated deeply with the audience and served as a potent call to action for world leaders on the urgent issue of climate change and sustainable development. The Island Youth Forum, a precursor to the main summit, provided a dedicated platform for young leaders from diverse island nations, including the Caribbean, Fiji, and the Maldives, to engage in meaningful dialogue, share their perspectives, and formulate a unified message to present at the GSIS. Robinson’s address effectively channeled the collective voice of these young leaders, conveying their passion, anxieties, and hopes for a sustainable future.

Robinson’s speech emphasized the importance of genuine youth engagement, moving beyond mere tokenism and symbolic gestures. He underscored that young people are not just passive recipients of inherited challenges but active agents of change who demand a seat at the decision-making table. His words resonated with a generation born into the climate crisis, a generation that has witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of environmental degradation and is determined to steer the world towards a more sustainable path. The youth, he argued, are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but capable contributors today, equipped with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.

A key theme of Robinson’s address was the demand for tangible action and genuine inclusion. He criticized the prevalence of performative youth engagement, where young people are invited to participate in events and discussions but their voices are not truly heard or integrated into policy and planning. He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift, urging decision-makers to move beyond symbolic gestures and embrace meaningful youth participation. This involves actively involving young people in all stages of policy development, from initial planning and budgeting to implementation and impact assessment. He argued that anything less is a disservice not only to the youth but to the entire world, which stands to benefit from their insights and contributions.

Robinson also shared a poignant anecdote from the Youth Forum, highlighting a moment of genuine inclusion. He described a scene where attendees communicated through silent applause, waving open hands in the air, to ensure the inclusion of disabled youth. This simple yet powerful gesture, he explained, exemplified the essence of true belonging, demonstrating that inclusivity can be both unforced and impactful. He emphasized the importance of creating spaces where all voices are valued and respected, where diversity is celebrated, and where everyone feels empowered to contribute. This anecdote served as a reminder that inclusivity is not merely a political agenda but a fundamental human value that must be woven into the fabric of all our endeavors.

The core message of Robinson’s address was a clarion call for action. He challenged world leaders, policymakers, and parliamentary secretaries to move beyond the rhetoric of speeches and translate the discussions of the summit into concrete policies and tangible outcomes. He stressed that the voices of young people should not be confined to symbolic forums but should inform and shape the decisions that will determine their future. He urged the leaders to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for immediate and decisive action to address its multifaceted challenges. He emphasized that the youth are not interested in inheriting a planet ravaged by climate change, burdened by empty promises. They are determined to be active participants in the present, shaping the world they will inherit.

Robinson’s powerful words left a lasting impression on the audience, highlighting the crucial role of young people in the fight for a sustainable future. His message resonated with the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for meaningful action. He challenged the status quo, demanding genuine youth engagement and urging decision-makers to move beyond tokenism. The question remains whether world leaders are ready to heed his call and truly embrace the contributions of the youth in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for all. His speech served as a stark reminder that the time for rhetoric is over, and the time for action is now.