WYCJ Caribbean - Prioritizing youth in the space of climate justice
©Haus of Hyman Production Company
As we transition into numerous new phases for the Caribbean Front, this year has been eventful so far. With the goal of prioritizing youth in the space of climate justice across all spheres, we have begun redefining what it means to include youth in this space. During the month of March, we accomplished exactly that.
On March 8th, an Xtreme Hangout Event was held in Nassau, The Bahamas, at Saint John's College under the theme "Fossil Free Bahamas." Students from several islands attended and were educated on all spheres of climate action, with a specific presentation on climate justice given during a panel discussion. Front Coordinator Ashawnté Russell expressed the extreme need for youth not just to be included but to be adequately educated on the subject and interacted with several high school teaching representatives to begin bringing the mission of WYCJ into schools not just within The Bahamas but across the Caribbean.
In the same sphere, on March 28th, WYCJ was also represented at the first-ever Caribbean Climate Justice Camp held in Sint Maarten. During the five-day camp, 120 Caribbean Youth from across the entire region gathered to have an honest and necessary discussion on the topic of climate justice in all contexts. Several breakout sessions were held, and WYCJ's session was titled "The Nexus between International Proceedings and Climate Justice: As Told by The Youth." During this session, participants received a complete breakdown of the organization and the support we offer to numerous communities as we continue to build on the efforts of the Pacific Islands in our pursuit of climate justice, whatever it takes.
©Haus of Hyman Production Company
Participants also gained more insight into the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion and the phases ahead as we push for a positive outcome in the face of adversity. Coupled with this, participants also generated a visual written submission within teams to gain a better understanding from a different perspective as we move into submission revisions and the Oral Submissions.
This camp served as part 1 of a 2-part training process, and coming out of both engagements during March has given the Caribbean Front a better perspective on how we can move into phase 2, National Front Creation across the Caribbean. We welcome all countries to the online Training to be held in May and look forward to fostering regional collaboration and international climate justice for all.
©Haus of Hyman Production Company