Island Youth Forum

Empowering Future Island Leaders

ABOUT THE FORUM

Empowering Future Island Leaders

The Island Youth Forum is a dynamic two-day event occurring right before the main summit dates (May 27th-29th). This forum brings together participants to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among young leaders and equip them to tackle the unique challenges facing island nations while seizing for sustainable growth and innovation.

The Forum will start in

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Hours

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Meet the Organisers

What To Expect

Discover, Connect, and Lead

At the Island Youth Forum, young leaders from island communities worldwide converge to shape a sustainable future. Expect a dynamic and engaging experience designed to empower you with the skills, networks, and knowledge needed to drive transformative change in your communities and beyond

Get Your Ticket

Be Part of the Change

Secure your place at the Island Youth Forum and contribute to shaping a more sustainable future for island communities. When purchasing your forum ticket, please ensure you select the correct option. This forum requires a dedicated ticket. All prices are in US dollars, per ticket.

Island Youth Forum Ticket (international attendees)

This ticket grants you access to a unique two-day event designed to empower and engage young people from island communities worldwide.

US$125

Island Youth Forum (OECS residents)

This ticket grants you access to a unique two-day event designed to empower and engage young people from island communities worldwide. Please note that you will be required to present a valid ID on-site for verification and you must be a resident of one of the OECS countries.

US$50

Island Youth Forum (SKN residents)

This ticket grants you access to a unique two-day event designed to empower and engage young people from island communities worldwide. Please note that you will be required to present a valid Saint Kitts and Nevis government-issued ID on-site for verification, confirming your residency.

US$25

Special Rates

For groups of five or more, email [email protected] for special ticket rates

Important Note: The Island Youth Forum ticket does not grant access to the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025. The Island Youth Forum is a separate event with its own registration and ticketing.

Event Agenda

Daily Event Schedule

Sunday

May 25th 2025

Participant Check-in

9:00 AM

Duration: 45 mins.

Opening & Inspirational Address

09:45 AM

This opening session will welcome participants with an energising address from government officials, emphasising the vital role island youth play in shaping sustainable futures in islands. This opening moment anchors the youth-led spirit of the event, setting the tone for action and innovation.

Duration: 35 mins.

Introduction to Policy Task

10:20 AM

Layout policy task and emphasise that the sessions throughout the two-days will inform the development of this policy development.

Duration: 5 mins.

Session 1 (Panel): Unpacking International Climate Policy from a Youth Lens

10:25 AM

This session will provide participants with a foundational understanding of the international climate change regime building their capacity to meaningfully engage in policy discussions and policy-making processes. It will also introduce participants to effective approaches for integrating youth inputs in national climate processes such as NDCs and NAPS.

Duration: 30 mins.

Recess

10:55 AM

Duration: 20 mins.

Session 2 (interactive workshop): Sustaining Islands: Empowering SIDS Youth to co-create Climate Policy Solutions

11:15 AM

Introduction to the group activity over the two days - working in a team towards presenting a policy recommendation, building on information from the sessions. Through a hands-on approach participants will take on the role of various stakeholders in society, to identify existing gaps in climate policy development, entry points for engagement and avenues to harness the innovation of young people in these processes to accelerate climate action. Participants will be able to establish linkages between their local solutions to the global level. The session will also aim to foster a systems thinking approach to tackling climate change, given the interconnectedness between the various sectors.

Duration: 1 hour

Session 3 (Panel): Innovating Waste into Opportunity – Circular Economy in Action

12:15 AM

This session will explore how islands can transform waste challenges into economic opportunities through circular economy principles. Panelists will share insights on upcycling materials into valuable products, developing local industries that reduce reliance on imports, and fostering community engagement in zero-waste initiatives.

Duration: 30 mins.

Session 4 (Panel): Sustaining Islands: Tackling Water and Food Security in Island Communities

12:45 PM

This session focuses on the interconnectedness of water management and food security in island contexts. Participants will explore the challenges small islands face, such as limited freshwater sources, drought, climate impacts on agriculture, and reliance on food imports.

Duration: 30 mins.

Lunch Break

1:15 PM

Duration: 45 mins.

(Session 5) Practical Activity: Water & Food Security

2:00 PM

This hands-on activity challenges groups to apply the morning’s water and food security lessons to real-world problems. Participants will design climate-smart agriculture projects suitable for islands, incorporating water conservation, agroecology, and indigenous farming knowledge. Teams will map out potential water and food policies, considering social equity, cost, and feasibility. This session allows youth to translate knowledge into action, using creative thinking to address their own islands’ water and food security challenges.

Duration: 45 mins.

(Session 6) Practical Activity: Marine Spatial Planning

02:45 PM

In this scenario-based activity, youth groups act as energy planners for a small island nation facing frequent power outages. They must develop a resilient, low-carbon energy plan using a mix of renewable energy, efficiency measures, and community education programs. Youth will assess factors like grid reliability, affordability, and public awareness, crafting solutions that reflect local culture and needs. This activity builds teamwork, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving skills essential for sustainable leadership.

Duration: 1 hour

Afternoon Break

3:45 PM

Duration: 15 mins.

(Session 7) Education for Sustainability as the Innovative and Creative Way Forward for Island Youth

3:35 PM

This panel discussion will explore how education for sustainability can serve as a powerful, innovative, and creative pathway for island youth. Panellists will share insights on how integrating sustainability into education can foster entrepreneurship, strengthen cultural identity, and prepare young people to lead in building resilient, green island economies. The conversation will highlight success stories, challenges, and strategies for empowering youth to become changemakers in their communities through sustainable thinking and action.

Duration: 55 mins.

(Session 8) Ideas Development

4.20 PM

Attendees will have a chance to present their ideas tomorrow and will be shared as part of the outcome of this event and with participants at the main forum.

Duration: 40 mins.

Cultural Explosion: Brotherhood Drummers

5:00 PM

Duration: 1 hour

Monday

May 26th 2025

Day 2 Welcome and SKN Video

9:00 AM

Duration: 10 mins.

Session 9 (Workshop) Youth At The Table – A Shock-Responsive Island Simulation

09:10 PM

This interactive session invites participants to step into the shoes of key decision-makers during a simulated climate-related disaster in a small island context. Led by UNICEF, the session will engage youth and stakeholders in navigating the complexities of emergency response, highlighting the importance of inclusive, child-sensitive, and shock-responsive systems. Through roleplay and guided discussion, participants will explore how youth can influence preparedness, response, and resilience strategies in their communities. The session aims to spark dialogue on the value of youth leadership and systems thinking in strengthening island resilience.

Duration: 1 hour & 30 mins.

Session 10 (Panel): Sustainable Living & Green Industry

10:40 AM

This session will discuss green living through the lens of urban planning, eco-friendly infrastructure, and sustainable industries. Participants will examine how smart land use, renewable building materials, and community-led tourism can foster resilient economies. The session highlights green jobs that can drive economic development while safeguarding cultural and environmental heritage. Participants will also learn about circular economy models that turn waste into value, encouraging innovation in local industries to build climate-resilient communities.

Duration: 35 mins.

Break

11:15 AM

Duration: 20 mins.

Session 11 (Panel): Health & Social Protection

11:35 AM

Participants will explore how climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations and will emphasise the mental health impacts of climate anxiety and disaster recovery. Understanding the role of well-being, disability inclusion, and resilience in a sustainable society.

Duration: 45 mins.

Lunch Break

12:20 PM

Duration: 55 mins.

Session 12: Artivism and Wellness as Methods of Sustainability

1:15 PM

This session expands the concept of sustainability beyond its traditional technical focus, placing equal value on art, activism, and physical and mental wellness as essential pillars of human sustainability. Through a series of holistic activities - from grounding breathwork to expressive creative practices like photography - participants will explore new ways of connecting with themselves, their communities, and the planet. This immersive experience encourages a deeper understanding of sustainability as a lived, felt, and creative practice.

Duration: 1 hour

Session 13: Finalising your policy idea

2:15 PM

Participants will be refining and finalising their policy recommendations, playing the role of various stakeholders in society, focusing on addressing gaps for empowering these actors as well as enhancing their integration in advancing climate policy and action. Participants will also pitch these recommendations.

Duration: 45 mins.

Excursion – Tree Planting & Wingfield Estate

3:00 PM

Discover the natural and environmental significance of Wingfield Estate with a guided visit to the Forestry Unit under the Department of Environment. Participants will learn firsthand how the unit executes its conservation efforts, including forest management, biodiversity protection, and reforestation initiatives. This excursion offers a unique look into the practical work behind preserving the island’s natural resources.

Duration: 2 hours & 30 mins.

Closing: Pledge Tree Summary and Networking Mixer

6:00 PM

Join us for a powerful closing hour featuring reflections from the Pledge Tree and a vibrant networking mixer. This is a chance to connect, celebrate collective commitments, and build lasting relationships rooted in shared purpose and community.

Duration: 1 hour

Become a Sponsor

Sponsor the Global Sustainable Islands Summit to gain unparalleled exposure to a global audience of high-level stakeholders, including policymakers, industry experts, researchers and community leaders. Explore unique opportunities to share your expertise, build relationships and gather valuable insights from a highly specialised audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

What is the Island Youth Forum?

The Island Youth Forum is a two-day event designed to empower and engage young people from island communities worldwide. It brings together participants to facilitate dialogue and collaboration, equipping them to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation

When and where will the forum take place?

The forum will be held on May 25th-26th, 2025, in Saint Kitts and Nevis

What topics will be covered at the forum?

Key topics include climate change, sustainable development, and cultural heritage. The forum will also host interactive workshops on leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.

What are the benefits of attending the forum?

A stronger network of young island leaders
Increased awareness of island-specific challenges and opportunities
Development of innovative solutions to address these challenges
Influence on policy decisions at various levels
A more empowered and engaged youth population in island communities

How can I register for the forum?

To buy your ticket for the forum, please visit our tickets page by clicking here.

Does my Island Youth Forum ticket grant me access to the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025?

No, the Island Youth Forum ticket does not grant access to the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025. The Island Youth Forum precedes the Summit. The Forum is a separate event with its own registration and ticketing.

To buy your ticket for the summit, please visit our tickets page by clicking here.

What are the recommended accommodation options and what are the rates for each room type?

We recommend staying at the conference venue, the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, a luxurious beachfront resort offering a variety of accommodations to suit your needs and budget. All attendees will be able to receive exclusive conference rates starting at $169.00 per night.

The link to reserve your room at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort with the exclusive conference rates will be sent via email. Please check your email communications for this link.

For those seeking alternative options, there is a wide range of other accommodation options are also available in the local area. Learn more about the accommodation options here.

Can I sponsor the event?

Yes, we have sponsorship opportunities available for organizations that want to showcase their commitment to sustainability and gain exposure to a global audience. Please reach out to our sponsorship team for more details here.

Is there a refund policy for registration?

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable, except under specific circumstances outlined below.

In the event that the conference is cancelled, attendees will be entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
If the conference is rescheduled to a different date or different location attendees will have the option to attend the rescheduled event or receive a full refund.

Force Majeure

The conference organizers shall not be held responsible for any delay, cancellation, or modification of the event due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, government regulations, or any other unforeseen events.

By purchasing a ticket to the Global Sustainable Islands Summit and Forums attendees acknowledge and agree to the terms of this refund policy. The conference organizers reserve the right to amend this policy at their discretion, with any changes communicated to registered attendees.