Uniting for Survival
Attending the Fourth International Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in the extreme heat of Antigua and Barbuda’s dry season was a transformative experience, filled with eye-opening discussions, passionate debates, and a renewed sense of purpose. Finally, at a conference for SIDS by SIDS — and as a global ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance — my journey here was marked by the vibrancy and resilience of the Caribbean spirit, a testament to our collective will to forge collaboration across our islands.
One of the standout sessions on which I had the honor of being a panelist was "Climate Justice for SIDS: A Rule of Law-Centered Approach for Transformative Climate Action," hosted by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) in partnership with the government of Vanuatu and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This discussion contributed to the implementation of the host country’s Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) program of action by addressing the importance of SDG16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and its core elements of the rule of law and access to justice, as well as its interlinkages with other SDGs, in promoting environmental protection and planetary sustainability. It focused on the role of the rule of law in building strong and well-funded institutions that can respond to the increasing risk of climate change, and its potential to empower rights-holders to work toward gender equality, intergenerational justice, and a just transition to a sustainable and secure future, while a diverse community of stakeholders analyzed the challenges from previous programs of action, identified concrete solutions in the context of the ABAS, and discussed tools and mechanisms to effectively secure sustainable partnerships for stronger engagements.
The official side event “Youth Will Lead the Way: Working Toward a Renewable Energy Future for All!” — hosted by Blue Planet Alliance and Peace Boat US — explored how island youth are being impacted by climate change, and what they can do to make a positive difference. Important programs emphasize providing educational resources and training to equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in policy advocacy. Workshops, webinars, and mentorship programs have proven invaluable, offering young people the tools and guidance they need to make a meaningful impact.
One such program is the “Youth for the SDGs” initiative, which is officially endorsed by IOC UNESCO as a “Contribution” to the UN Ocean Decade. The programs focus on citizen science and education about the ocean, in line with the UN Ocean Decade objective to “build capacity and generate knowledge.” To date, three programs have been held onboard Peace Boat’s current vessel, MV Pacific World: one in the Arctic, one in Mexico and Central America, and this year one voyage thus far through the fjords of Patagonia from Chile to Argentina. In ports of call, experiential learning and citizen-science programs are organized with local partners. While at sea, youth engage in capacity-building lectures, seminars, and workshops.
Creating platforms for youth to voice their concerns and solutions is critical. Youth councils and advisory boards ensure their perspectives are included in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward climate action. These initiatives not only empower young people but also instill a sense of urgency and commitment to address the climate crisis. Young people have been at the forefront of climate advocacy, and it was inspiring to see how initiatives like the Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassador Program are making a difference. Launched during the 2022 Our Ocean Conference in Palau, this program honors and empowers young people ages 16 to 30, building a network of youth advocates dedicated to global activism. Their mission is clear: help communities transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045. I was fortunate to pursue a Master's in Renewable Energy, which further fueled my passion for this cause.
The highly anticipated side event "Amplifying Action in the Call for Climate Justice: An Inclusive Approach for Meaningful Change," delved into the necessity of inclusive solutions for addressing the climate crisis in SIDS. This event was held by all my amazing partners: Climate Analytics Caribbean, Blue Planet Alliance, the Ashley Lashley Foundation, Ecovybz Environmental Creatives, Sustainable Ocean Alliance Caribbean, and Kneyzus Energy. The discussion identified the ways that inclusive climate action fosters equity and social justice through an intersectional approach that benefits the most marginalized, such as indigenous populations, youth, and women. It facilitated a review of a sample of currently existing climate policies in various SIDS regions, discussing ways they could be adapted to be more inclusive. Examples of initiatives and programs that bring youth together and foster inclusive solutions to climate justice, environmental issues, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals were shared. Additionally, the discussion critically analyzed selected climate-litigation cases to explore the significance of the decisions and precedents.
Throughout the conference, a recurring theme was the importance of partnerships. Mr. Sergio Fernandez de Cordova’s impassioned plea for action-oriented partnerships resonated deeply. “I hate seeing partnerships without actual solutions and actions!” he exclaimed. Partnerships should not just be for photo ops; they must innovate and find real solutions. This sentiment was echoed by many, reinforcing the need to break down barriers and work collaboratively to achieve our climate goals.
Another one of the most intriguing discussions centered on sargassum, a pressing issue affecting many Caribbean countries. In Guadeloupe and Martinique, the influx of sargassum is a major concern. The situation in Barbados, where sargassum devastates livelihoods and tourism, highlights the urgency of developing original strategies to combat this menace. Advocacy, legal, and economic policies were discussed, and the formation of a Sargassum Task Force was proposed, underscoring the collective effort needed to tackle this problem.
The conference also featured innovative ideas for dealing with sargassum. Dr. Lydia Barfleur from SARG'COOP emphasized the importance of harvesting and collecting sargassum before it reaches the coastline. BioChar production and valorization were discussed as potential solutions, with portable pyrolysis machines and drying processes being proposed. These discussions highlighted the need for practical and sustainable approaches to managing sargassum. This session was particularly interesting to me because Kneyzus Energy plans to implement a processing plant soon in the region starting in Trinidad and Tobago to help clean our shores from this invasive species of seaweed. We are also collaborating with a company that can convert this problem into a viable bioplastic solution.
I must also highlight the inspiring efforts against deep-sea mining led by Khadija Stewart, Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. Their unwavering dedication to protecting our oceans is nothing short of inspirational. I have had the pleasure of witnessing their resilience and commitment several times, and each time I am left more motivated to continue this fight for our planet and the deep sea.
My experience at SIDS4 was not just about the sessions and discussions but also about the people I met and the connections I made. It was a poignant reminder that, as Caribbean people, we must come together to forge collaboration. Many of us are conducting similar research across different islands, yet we are not working together effectively in terms of data sharing and collaborative efforts. We are both the problem and the solution to our climate change challenges. Despite contributing the least to climate change, we face its full brunt. Therefore, we must take matters into our own hands.
We often look to outsiders for help when we have all the resources we need right here in the Caribbean. By empowering our youth, fostering meaningful partnerships, and innovating solutions, we can lead the way in combating climate change. My takeaway from SIDS4 is that each one of us has the power to create meaningful change. By working together, embracing inclusivity, and prioritizing justice, we can build a sustainable future for all.
Attending SIDS4 in Antigua and Barbuda was truly an interesting experience. It reinforced the power of unity, the importance of action, and the critical role of youth in shaping a brighter, greener future for SIDS by SIDS or as the new term coins, Big Ocean States.
