St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the UN Addresses Global Youth Leadership Initiative

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the UN, H.E. Nerys Dockery, delivered a powerful keynote address at the "Future We Want: Global Initiative for Young Leaders" event held at the United Nations headquarters. The initiative, designed to empower and engage young people in global affairs, underscored the critical role of youth in shaping a sustainable and equitable future. Ambassador Dockery’s speech centered on the interconnectedness of global challenges and the imperative for collaborative action, particularly highlighting the urgency of climate action, sustainable development, and inclusive governance.

Ambassador Dockery began by emphasizing the transformative potential of young people as agents of change. She commended the initiative for providing a platform for young leaders to voice their concerns, share their innovative ideas, and contribute to shaping global policies. The Ambassador underscored the importance of intergenerational dialogue and mentorship, encouraging experienced leaders to support and guide the next generation in their pursuit of a better world. She drew parallels to the work being done in St. Kitts and Nevis to empower youth and create opportunities for their meaningful participation in national development.

A significant portion of Ambassador Dockery’s address focused on the existential threat of climate change, particularly its disproportionate impact on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like St. Kitts and Nevis. She called for urgent and ambitious global action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its unavoidable consequences. The Ambassador highlighted the vulnerability of SIDS to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other climate-related impacts, stressing the need for increased financial and technical support to build resilience and ensure sustainable development. She urged the young leaders to champion climate action within their communities and advocate for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, Ambassador Dockery stressed the interconnectedness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the importance of a holistic approach to achieving them. She emphasized the need for inclusive and equitable development that leaves no one behind. The Ambassador highlighted areas where St. Kitts and Nevis has made significant progress towards achieving the SDGs, including poverty reduction, education, and healthcare. She called for strengthened global partnerships to accelerate progress on the SDGs and ensure that all countries, particularly developing nations, have the resources and support they need to achieve these ambitious goals.

Ambassador Dockery also spoke on the crucial role of young people in promoting peace and security, advocating for human rights, and strengthening democratic governance. She emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and respect for diversity. The Ambassador encouraged young leaders to become active participants in their communities and advocate for policies that promote social justice, equality, and inclusion. She underscored the need for youth involvement in decision-making processes at all levels, from local to global.

In conclusion, Ambassador Dockery reiterated the importance of investing in young people and empowering them to become leaders of change. She expressed her confidence in the ability of young people to shape a more sustainable, just, and peaceful future for all. The Ambassador urged the participants to embrace the opportunity to learn from each other, build networks, and collaborate on initiatives that address the pressing challenges facing the world today. She challenged them to be bold, innovative, and persistent in their pursuit of a better world, assuring them of St. Kitts and Nevis’ continued commitment to supporting youth empowerment and global cooperation. Through her inspiring address, Ambassador Dockery left a lasting impression on the young leaders, encouraging them to take ownership of their future and work together to build a world where everyone can thrive. She provided concrete examples of how small island nations are leading the way in sustainable development and called for greater global partnerships to support their efforts. The Ambassador’s speech served as a powerful call to action, reminding everyone of the urgency of addressing global challenges and the critical role of young people in shaping a brighter future for all.