On Monday 9th October 2017, myself and three other young Grenadian Delegates, along with two Chaperones, left the island to embark on a journey which aided us with increased knowledge and skills to combat the monster, better known as Climate Change which is a great threat to our island. We joined up with other delegates from Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadians and Suriname to sit together in a two day Conference and share our experiences and impacts of Climate Change in our countries, and to find various ways in which we can get you the young people to assist us in this fight. Our future is threatened. We want to live, so let’s help save the world.
The Youth Climate Change Conference 2017 served as an eye opener to the major issue of Climate Change. We often wonder why there is so much rain fall outside of the ‘usual time’ or the sun is extremely hot and so much more, but it all came down to the YCCC 2017 where further explanations were made. Our island (Grenada) is not the only country affected. Our Caribbean brothers and sisters are also greatly affected, as well as other countries around the world such as Japan, Fiji, Belize etc.
“Today’s youth are born into a generation with a heavy burden to bear and it is our time to stay engaged as climate change can be resolved if youths get more involved. YCCC 2017 was an amazing opportunity and experience to come together and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and ideas with regards to Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation among young persons. It fostered the opportunity to meet young persons who just like me are seeking ways to tackle the issue of Climate Change not only in my country Grenada but throughout the region.
Climate Change knows no boundaries and as such it is time that youth step up to the plate and take action to inherit the world to which we want our generation and future generations to live. #OurClimate #OurVoice #OurChange”~ Renae Baptiste, Community Liaison Officer, UNDP ICCASYCCC Grenada Delegation
“This experience taught me how to be a better Climate Change Advocate. One of the events that touched me was the different Country Reports, especially Dominica’s Country report. I have not only learnt climate change lessons, but also life lessons. According to a delegate from Dominica, Ashfred Norris, “I never knew the time would come where you’d have money and not able to use it and still be hungry.” After this,I truly realized that money is not everything. Apart from lessons learnt, the bonds and friendships made with members from other countries’ delegations cannot be replaced. The lessons learnt will truly carry my country and I a long way. #OurClimate #OurVoice #OurChange”~Joliba Regis, Member of the YCCC 2017 Grenada Delegation
“I think it was a wonderful idea to physically network like-minded youth from across the world, who share the same challenges and experience similar effects of climate change. YCCC 2017 was quite informative, yet interactive and I would like to believe that my generation left more hopeful about their futures than prior to attending this special conference. Thank you UNDP and other partners.”~Joachim Wilson. Member of the YCCC 2017 Grenada Delegation.
“YCCC 2017 has been one of the best experiences ever. With what has been gathered at the conference, I now believe we can work towards reducing the amount of damage being caused to our planet. Jamaica has been wonderful. The delegates, nothing but friendly and hardworking. What touched me the most was, despite the struggles Dominica’s Delegates faced, they still made a huge effort to come forward and share their experience. I am so happy that I was able to put aside the crying and face them with strength to comfort them and to let them know that we do care for them. I wish them nothing but the best in their rebuilding process and I know they will Rise Again! #Our Climate, #Our Voice, #Our Change!”
~Kyana S. Bubb. Member of the YCCC 2017 Grenada Delegation.
Youth Climate Change Conference 2017 