Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
And you, the future of our nation,
Good morning.
It is my esteemed privilege to welcome all of you to the Second Annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Youth Conference under the theme “Challenge the Norm: A Beginner’s Guide to Overcoming Stigmas for Sustainable Development”.
As we stand on the precipice of an age marked by rapid technological advances, environmental challenges, and socio-economic transformation, the role of young people has never been more crucial.
The world you inherit will face complex global challenges, yet it also offers abundant possibilities for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress.
You, young people, are not just tomorrow’s leaders; you are today’s trailblazers, catalysts for transformation, and the stewards of our collective future.
If this is your first time engaging with the SDGs, I invite you to use today as an opportunity to recognize sustainable development in the communities around you.
The Government of The Bahamas remains fully committed to the SDGs and applies them as one of the many frameworks as we develop our policy strategies, policies focused on you.
For instance, with SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, the government is dedicated to expanding access to healthcare.
We are actively expanding and upgrading facilities at the Princess Margaret Hospital, commissioning new EMT personnel and expanding clinics in the Family Islands.
Additionally, SDG 4 speaks to Quality Education, to which we have implemented and seen successes in a number of our programs including the “Find Every Child” initiative, the “Let’s Swim” initiative and the National School Attendance Hotline.
We are also proud to share that earlier this year the National School Breakfast Pilot Programme reached half a million breakfasts served across our nation, touching on SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
We are all familiar with the many issues plaguing our young men and boys in this country. Despite these challenges, this administration remains resolute in ensuring that our young men are not left behind.
Through initiatives such as the National Youth Guard Programme, the Ministry of Youth’s All Boys Afterschool Programme, the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Second Chance Program, Youth Parliament and Youth Ambassadorships, we strive to empower and uplift our young men, providing them with the equipment and support needed to realize their full potential.
By instilling a sense of responsibility and promoting education and personal growth, we are helping to forge a pathway for them to thrive, contribute positively to society, and secure a bright future for themselves and our nation.
Sustainable development is not merely an ideal or an abstract dream.
It is an imperative that demands action from all sectors of society.
It requires a shift in the way we act, think, and solve problems.
Young leaders, challenging the norm means rejecting complacency and embracing a mindset that constantly questions, innovates, and seeks better solutions.
It is about looking at old challenges with fresh eyes and finding new pathways that preserve the planet, promote prosperity, and guarantee social inclusion for all.
This conference is an opportunity for you to acquire the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to take claim of this goal.
It is a guide, not just for learning about sustainability, but for challenging the status quo, questioning outdated practices, and spearheading innovative solutions.
I encourage you to engage fully, to challenge your assumptions, and to connect with like-minded peers and mentors who will be with you on this journey.
It is my hope that when you leave here today, you leave with a renewed sense of purpose and recognize that any action – no matter how small – matters.
The Bahamas needs you and I look forward to seeing you all thrive.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless this great nation.