Antigua and Barbuda’s National Youth Ambassador Christal Percival delivered a standout intervention on April 16 at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum taking place at the United Nations in New York.
In her address, Percival highlighted the significance of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The youth ambassador opened with a clear message: “SDG 11 is not merely an aspiration for Antigua and Barbuda; it is a blueprint for survival.” She emphasized that building sustainable, resilient communities is essential for countries where rising sea levels, extreme weather, and economic vulnerability intersect.
Percival highlighted several national initiatives that demonstrate Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to inclusive and climate‑resilient development. Among them is the government’s push to remove barriers for young entrepreneurs in agriculture by expanding access to land, financing, and tax incentives. These measures, she noted, are strengthening food security while empowering youth to contribute more to resilient local economies.
The ambassador also underscored the country’s alignment with the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), pointing to efforts to enhance health literacy and address risk factors for non‑communicable diseases such as obesity and poor diets.
Energy transition and climate‑resilient housing featured prominently in her intervention. She outlined national efforts to expand renewable energy, fortify vulnerable communities, and implement a housing revolution aimed at delivering climate‑resilient homes. These initiatives, Percival declared, are essential to safeguarding lives and livelihoods in a rapidly changing climate.
The Ambassador highlighted the country’s use of Artificial Intelligence to deepen research on biodiversity and conservation. There is ongoing work to restore mangroves and coral reefs and recover endangered species—critical components of the nation’s natural defenses and ecological heritage.
She also emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, noting that Antigua and Barbuda is expanding public participation, strengthening civic education, and creating more accessible platforms for community dialogue.
Throughout her intervention, Percival stressed that sustainable progress for SIDS cannot be achieved in isolation. “It requires steadfast global alliances and sustained investment,” she said, calling on the international community to support small island nations as they work to build safer, more resilient cities and communities.
Percival’s address during the plenary session follows interventions by two National Youth Ambassadors, Amelia Williams and Kristine Louisa, who also underscored the need for sustainable measures.
National Youth Ambassador, Shacia Albertine, described Percival’s intervention as “impactful,” noting that she felt “extremely proud that Antigua and Barbuda was well‑represented on the international stage.”
General Secretary of the National Youth Volunteer Corps (NYVC), Sara Bacchus, also commended the delegation’s performance. “This was my first ECOSOC experience, and I felt really good to be part of the Antigua and Barbuda team. It was truly inspiring,” she declared.
Another member of the NYVC and former CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Esquire Henry, said, he was honoured to be invited to ECOSOC as a moderator once again and also happy to know that Antigua and Barbuda had one of the largest delegations in attendance. He added, “The topics are extremely important to small island developing states and ECOSOC was a perfect opportunity to magnify some of the challenges of SIDS.”
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation was led by the Director of Youth Affairs, Dr Jrucilla Samuel. It comprised four National Youth Ambassadors, including Kristine Louisa and Amelia Williams, as well as two members of the National Youth Volunteer Corps.
The April 14-16 forum placed special emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean water and sanitation), 7 (Affordable and clean energy), 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). It was held under the theme, “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all.”