Future Energy Leaders Forum 2025: A Breakthrough for Caribbean Youth Leadership in Energy
By Ashawnté Russell, Blue Planet Alliance Global Youth Ambassador
In October, I had the distinct honor of hosting the Future Energy Leaders Forum 2025 in the Bahamas as the Inti Youth Environmental Ambassador. This first-of-its-kind gathering brought together young Bahamians, regional leaders, policymakers, and industry experts around a shared mission: to empower youth with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to shape a sustainable energy future for our region.
Against the vibrant backdrop of the Bahamas, a nation on the frontlines of climate change and the global energy transition, the Forum offered hope, ideas, and purposeful collaboration for all who attended.
Why This Forum Was So Important
The Caribbean faces unique challenges in the energy sector: high costs, heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, and the urgent need to pivot to renewable resources. At the same time, our region is filled with passionate, creative young leaders ready to drive innovation.
The Future Energy Leaders Forum served as a platform for exactly that: young people stepping into leadership, supported by government officials, experts, and industry trailblazers. The focus wasn’t just on discussing challenges; it was about actionable solutions, empowerment, and regional partnership.
Speakers and Contributors Who Shaped the Conversation
I was honored to share the stage with an incredible group of leaders whose insights anchored the Forum’s message of innovation and inclusion:
Government and Policy Leaders
The Rt. Hon. Philip Edward Davis, K.C.
Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Delivered a powerful message about national vision and the crucial role of youth in the energy transition.Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis
Minister of Energy and Transport
Spoke passionately about energy resilience, renewable solutions, and why young Bahamians are essential to the nation’s progress.Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin
Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training
Highlighted education, technical training, and workforce development as key to preparing students for careers in the energy sector.
Industry and Development Voices
Mr. Owen Bethel
President and CEO, INTI Corporation (The Bahamas)
Inspired young attendees with a message about collaboration, opportunity, and bridging youth leadership with the energy industry.Toni Seymour
CEO, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL)
Shared insights on the future of the power grid, renewable integration, and the vital role of innovation in national development.Malaika Masson
Manager, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Offered a regional development perspective, emphasizing investment, innovation, and sustainability.
Youth and Civil Society Leaders
Molly Rosaaen
Global Ambassador Program Coordinator, Blue Planet Alliance
Brought global island perspectives on sustainability and youth-led climate leadership.Aaron Forbes
Eco Energy Bahamas Ltd.
Provided on-the-ground insights into youth-led renewable energy innovation in The Bahamas.
The Student Energy Challenge: Igniting Innovation in Young Bahamians
One of the most exciting parts of the Forum was the Student Energy Challenge, a dynamic, youth-driven competition created to spark creativity and problem-solving among young Bahamians.
Students were asked to:
Identify a real energy or sustainability issue in their school, community, or island
Develop a practical, innovative solution
Pitch their idea to a panel of government officials, energy professionals, and youth leaders
The energy in the room was electric. Students presented solutions that included:
Solar-powered school systems
Energy conservation and efficiency strategies
Microgrid concepts for rural communities
Waste-to-energy proposals
Affordable renewable solutions for vulnerable families
The judges were impressed not just by the innovation, but by the clarity, confidence, and technical thoughtfulness displayed in the presentations.
Why the Challenge Mattered
The Student Energy Challenge provided an unmatched opportunity for youth to:
Turn ideas into tangible solutions
Gain experience in pitching and problem-solving
Receive direct feedback from energy experts
Envision themselves as the next generation of engineers, policymakers, and climate leaders
Most importantly, the Challenge reinforced a powerful message:
Youth are not just the future; they are leading right now.
A Launchpad for Long-term Impact
Some of the ideas presented are now being considered for development, mentorship, or pilot support. For many students, the Challenge was more than a competition; it was their entry point into the world of renewable energy and sustainability leadership.
What We Explored Together
Throughout the day, participants engaged with major themes and questions, including:
Energy Justice and Equity
Speakers emphasized that the energy transition must be fair and inclusive, ensuring that all communities, especially those most at risk, benefit from clean, affordable energy.
Skills and Careers in Energy
Students learned about:
Technical and vocational training
Renewable energy careers
Policy and advocacy pathways
Entrepreneurship in the green economy
Building Collaborative Solutions
The Forum underscored that real change comes from collaboration between youth, government, private-sector partners, and regional organizations.
Closing Thoughts
As the Inti Youth Environmental Ambassador, I am deeply proud of the passion and vision displayed during the Future Energy Leaders Forum. The ideas shared, the connections made, and the commitments expressed proved that the Caribbean’s renewable energy future will be shaped by young people who are informed, inspired, and ready to lead.
This Forum was not an event; it was a beginning. And the movement continues.
Here’s to the next generation of Caribbean energy leaders: already rising, already innovating, and already shaping our sustainable future.
