Last Updated on August 11, 2024, 10:40 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean lauded the government of St Kitts and Nevis for their active approach to enhance awareness of the 2030 Agenda and encouraging the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its Sustainable Island State Agenda.
Significantly, the UN recognized the Department of Youth Empowerment for implementing the SDGs into the 41st edition of the Annual Summer Residential Camp.
The annual camp is to be held under the theme “41 Years of Summer Camp embedded in our souls: Let’s Protect its’ Future by Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.
The Camp was scheduled for two weeks for children aged from 8 to 16 years, from low-to-middle income households, who often lack access to such experiences without the support of the government.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Simon Springett reflected on the UN’s support and stated that the UN recognises the importance of youth in achieving the SDGs and applauds the government of St Kitts and Nevis for engaging young people.
“This initiative can serve as a model for both educating young people, but also for learning from the ideas and experiences of youth. I wish also to applaud these young campers for their creativity and willingness to put the SDGs into action,” Coordinator Simon added.
Keeping this year’s theme in mind, the UN Resident Coordinators’ Office contributed by hosting sensitization sessions on the SDGs and the Sustainable Island State Agenda.
These vital sessions aimed at educating the young minds about their role in safeguarding the environment and promoting consumption of resources like food, water, energy, responsibly. The children were also encouraged to follow these principles at home as well as in schools.
One of the fun highlights of the camp was the SDG Dorm Door Decoration Competition, which awarded gift baskets to the winning male and female dormitories.
In addition to this, a SDGs Quiz consisted of five teams representing the SDG Pillars: People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, and Partnerships. The quiz observed participants’ knowledge of the SDGs and what they can contribute to the sustainable development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The “Partnerships” team emerged as the winner, receiving SDG-branded gold medals. However, all participants were celebrated for their understanding to the SDGs.
Sahira Joseph, Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Camp Coordinator, expressed her gratitude to the UN for its support and mentioned that they thoroughly enjoyed each activity.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office also extended thanks to Sahira Joseph and her team for their coordination of the camp. Special thanks were also given to Cosbert Woods, UN Country Coordination Officer in St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nekirah Nicholls, UN Youth Advisory Group representative for St. Kitts and Nevis, for their roles in facilitating the sensitization sessions and SDGs Quiz.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
