Hon. Chelsea Alexander, Senator of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, told delegates at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum that youth empowerment and digital transformation are central pillars of her country’s growth agenda.
Alexander affirmed that investing in young people through skills training, education, and practical experience is essential to driving sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity. “Our lived experience tells us that our people are our greatest resource. Accordingly, we must prioritize their long term development,” she said.
She reminded the forum of the challenges Vincentians have faced, including the 2021 eruption of La Soufrière volcano, which displaced over 20,000 people and disrupted essential services. In response, the government introduced the Youth Guarantee Pledge, ensuring every young person has access to training, internships, and employment opportunities. A new independent youth ministry has also been established, integrating sports, culture, and creative industries to unlock opportunities across emerging sectors.
Alexander highlighted partnerships with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs on climate‑resilient infrastructure asset management, noting that recent crises such as Hurricane Beryl in 2024 reinforce the importance of regional and international cooperation. “Ultimately, we must build a future that is resilient to withstand external shocks and setbacks. This begins with investing in our people,” she said.
Her remarks aligned with the forum’s theme, “Innovate, Unite and Transform: Youth Shaping the Road to 2030,” and placed Vincentian and Caribbean youth firmly within the global dialogue on resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.
The ECOSOC Youth Forum, established in 2012, is the UN’s flagship platform for youth engagement. It convenes annually under the Economic and Social Council, linking directly to the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Each year, the forum reviews progress on selected SDGs and provides space for youth leaders to influence global policy.