Jamaica’s youth embody an embroidery of talent, aspiration, and boundless creativity. Our youth are not merely the future but the driving force steering the country towards brilliance and progress, exemplifying the popular saying that “out of many, we are one people’’. National Youth Month, under the theme ‘The Year of the Youth: TRENDing for a Sustainable Future’’, stands as an opportune time to acknowledge and channel this energy, nurturing a sense of belonging and responsibility among our young people.

Challenges exist; societal and other pressures often steer some young people toward paths that may lead to unfulfilled aspirations and disastrous outcomes. A breakdown of traditional values, limited decent employment, and other livelihood opportunities. The lack of employable or entrepreneurial skills have, in some cases, all contributed to pressuring young people to make decisions that border on survival. The outcomes of these decisions we see in rising levels of inequality, increased levels of violence and other socio-economic ills. It is therefore evident that this poor decision making is averse to society and threatens social cohesion, which is an important precondition for national development.

However, despite these challenges, there is a recognition that youths make up a significant and important segment of the population. In this regard, the government and other stakeholders, including the United Nations, are working with the youth to find solutions to these problems. There is therefore an ever-persistent and resounding call to engage and empower youth, reaffirming countries to leave no-one behind as they strive to maintain a steady progress towards the sustainable developments goals (SDGs) and, indeed, its national development objectives.

The vision outlined in Jamaica’s national development plan reflects the aspirations and dreams which all Jamaicans hold dear for their country. These include having a country that has a vibrant economy, robust societal structures, ample opportunities for all, attainment of our human potentials, human safety, and security, as well as access to high-quality and equitable health services. Though these goals are indeed within reach, their attainment will also depend on the extent to which the energy, skills, and innovation of Jamaica’s youth can be harnessed.

MANY EXAMPLES

It is obvious, and many examples are available, that, when youth actively engage politically and socio-economically, society blossoms into a more inclusive, resilient, empowered, and diverse entity. Providing an environment that facilitates and adopts creative thinking and innovation and enables the dynamism of the Jamaican youth can propel and lead to tangible progress across various sectors of Jamaican society. From taking the lead in the development and use of technology to solve everyday challenges, establishing thriving business enterprises, to participating in political discourse, youths have consistently proven that they are up to the challenges of being productive members of society.

The promises made to youth by the country’s founding and current leaders should not be seen to mere words but a pledge to work towards creating an environment where access to education, healthcare, safe communities, sustainable living, and equal opportunities is not just an ideal but a reality. These promises are anchored not only on the global fundamental rights but are also values of Jamaican society, fostering an environment where every national, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, gender or age group, has the chance to thrive and fulfil their human potential.

The central role of youth in national development cannot be overstated. Their involvement is pivotal in shaping a cohesive, empowered, and just society — a society built on a healthy population and a planet which is sustainably exploited for its resources. This is not merely a distant dream but a tangible reality to which Jamaican youth can aspire and actively contribute.

Education, poverty alleviation, climate action, digitisation, universal health coverage, decent work, gender equality, are not just global United Nations buzzwords. They are platforms to be leveraged by our youth to catalyse positive change and transform Jamaica’s development pathway sustainably. By engaging in community projects, entrepreneurial ventures, advocacy, and technology-driven solutions, they can pave the way for a better tomorrow where youth of Jamaica will become an example for other Caribbean youth, and even those in the diaspora to return and sustain Jamaica’s growth and development.

As brave and resilient people, Jamaicans have a sense of exceptionalism in which ‘’wi likkle but wi tallawah’’ resonates with all Jamaicans to dig deep and succeed. The United Nations is here to partner and contribute to the development of Jamaica and to help Jamaican youth realise their fullest human potential.

COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT

The collaborative spirit within the region can further amplify this transformation. By sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences, youth across the Caribbean can collectively address common challenges, propelling sustainable change across the region.

The role of our leaders, both political and community-oriented, is paramount. By creating a nurturing environment and offering guidance, they lay the foundation for the youth to thrive and contribute positively.

Jamaican youth should demand transformative education, social safety nets, and a platform for active participation in governance. Their engagement and advocacy are integral to the sustainable development agenda, including combating climate change, which threatens the region’s long-term prosperity.

To actualise Jamaica’s Vision 2030, it’s imperative that all stakeholders — policymakers, community leaders, and youth advocates — collaborate to nurture and unleash the potential of the youth. Jamaican youth must always remind policymakers of this vision for a better tomorrow, a sustainable future. By empowering and involving the younger generation, Jamaica is assured of a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

During this National Youth Month and beyond, let’s celebrate the successes and resilience of the youth while recognising that the challenges they face are real and enormous, requiring urgent action. National Youth Month is not just a celebration but a beacon illuminating the path to a brighter future for our young people. It’s a call to action for collaboration, empowerment, and commitment toward the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, not just within our borders but across the Caribbean region.

Dennis Zulu is the United Nations resident coordinator in Jamaica. Dr Richard Amenyah is the UNAIDS multi-country director for the Caribbean. Send comments on X (formerly Twitter) @UNJamaica and @UNAIDSCaribbean