SIDS Global Children & Youth Action Summit (CYAS)

Theme: “Small Islands, Big Dreams: Youth for Resilience”

The SIDS Global Children and Youth Action Summit (CYAS) is a pivotal event – on margins of the Fourth UN SIDS Conference (SIDS4), will be held in Antigua and Barbuda in May 24th – 26th, 2024. The summit aims to empower and mobilize youth from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and digital transformation. The CYAS is set against the backdrop of a ten-year action plan for SIDS development launched at the SIDS4 conference.

Topics & Themes

Resilient Recovery

Economic Diversification

Tourism

Ocean-Based Economy

Building Partnerships

Safe and Prosperous

Poverty Reduction

Strong Institutions

Strengthening Healthcare Systems

Digitization

Secure Future

Participation of Children and Youth, with a Focus on Gender Inclusivity, in Governance

Water, Food, and Energy Security

Resilient Infrastructure

Education

Environmental Integrity and Planetary Sustainability

Climate and Ocean Action

Scaling up Climate Finance

Disaster Risk Reduction

Youth-Led Youth Driven – Key Summit Activities

Master Class

Engaging sessions covering themes from the SIDS4 Outcome Document, facilitated by experts in climate change, digitization, resilient territories, poverty reduction, and youth governance.

Inter-generational Discussions

Forums bringing together youth delegates, ministers, and high-level officials for idea exchange on youth inclusion in critical issues.

Negotiations with Donor Agencies

Youth engagement to secure support for projects developed during challenges and regional consultations.

Inspire Me Dialogue

Evening dialogue with celebrity ambassadors sharing experiences related to climate change impacts or their work.

Pre-Consultations

Virtual and In-person sessions leading up to the summit for youth from SIDS regions to formulate commitments and a Call to Action, to be presented at the UN SIDS Conference led by Major Group of Children and Youth .

Challenges

Collaborative problem-solving platforms among youth from SIDS regions to create efficient and impactful solutions, aligning with sustainable practices.

Cultural Fashion Show

Showcasing sustainable fashion created from recyclable materials, promoting environmental awareness.

Skit & Video Creation

Goodwall Challenges promoting innovative ideas and practical solutions.

Our Targets

Key Objectives:

  • Equip and mobilize SIDS youth as agents of change.
  • Develop action items and linkages among SIDS youth to address crises facing SIDS.
  • Generate a youth-led global call to action contributing to SIDS resilience.
  • Ensure youth voices and ideas are reflected in the official SIDS4 Outcome Document.

Intended Outcomes:

  • Generation of SIDS Youth 10 Year Commitments & Call to Action.
  • Financing for youth projects at regional and global levels aligned with SIDS Conference Plan of Action.
  • Creation of regional and cross-regional partnerships.

How to Register

Registration is now open for the SIDS Children and Youth Action Summit, held on the sidelines of the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda. We invite youth and children from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to participate in this impactful event from May 24th to May 26th, 2024.

This application is open to both Self-Funded Delegates and Non-Self-Funding Delegates. Here are the criteria for participation:

For Self-Funded Delegates:

  • Age range: 14 to 25 years old
  • Legal residency in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
  • Affiliation with a child/youth organization or network engaged in SIDS-related activities, focusing on supporting vulnerable groups and grassroots communities.
  • Recognition as an advocate at the national or regional level, actively promoting initiatives aligned with the summit’s themes.
  • Formal endorsement by a credible organization.

For Non-Self-Funding Delegates:

  • Age range: 14 to 25 years old.
  • Legal residency in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
  • Affiliation with a child/youth organization or network engaged in SIDS-related activities, focusing on supporting vulnerable groups and grassroots communities.
  • Recognition as an advocate at the national or regional level, actively promoting initiatives aligned with the summit’s themes.

Selected participants will be notified by April 8th, 2024. For any inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in the future of SIDS!