Vincentian teen advocates for the Eastern Caribbean at UNICEF Forum

by Jada Chambers

Seventeen year old mental health and climate advocate, Adia Daniel represented St Vincent and the Grenadines at a special forum of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Board.

From September 3-5, 2024 world leaders and UNICEF Executive Board members congregated in New York for the (4th meeting) UNICEF Executive Board, Second Regular Session 2024, and there was a ‘ Special Focus Session- Climate Change and Children’ on September 5.

Sitting alongside Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Mary Russell, and Vice-President of the UNICEF Executive Board José Alfonso Blanco Conde, as well as other notable members of the Board was the teenaged Vincentian, Adia Daniel, who advocated for the Eastern Caribbean Islands by declaring to the world leaders that despite great progress being made in addressing climate change, there is still much work to be done.

“How many more hurricanes and extreme climate crisis events are we going to endure until we act effectively?” Daniel questioned attendees.

She said this was not a warning, but a plea for strengthened action. Daniel said that if leaders cease to work diligently to find sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, the countries will not only bear the consequences now, but for years to come.

“Equally important, we must not forget the correlation between climate change and mental health. Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in climate crisis recovery strategies to assist children in coping with these complex emotions we feel when a climate crisis occurs.”

She said that UNICEF has successfully implemented and executed mental wellness support programmes and resources such as Young Caribbean Minds, and Return to Happiness in shelters across affected islands where children and youth have been integrally involved in facilitating sessions and distributing donation packages on the ground.

“However, while we are grateful for these efforts, this is not my round of applause to you. For as world leaders, stakeholders and, most importantly, advocates, there is much more work to be done.”

Making specific reference to Hurricane Beryl, Daniel told the executive members and other attendees that even amidst the chaos and devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl and the climate crisis, there is a glimmer of hope.

“For the youth of the Caribbean and small island developing states, our children- the future stewards of this planet, are not mere bystanders in this unfolding crisis. Rather, they are the voices of reason, the Champions of Change.”

She said it is imperative that children are involved in the dialogues and initiatives surrounding climate change, for they are the ones who will inherit the consequences of current action or inaction.

“As I witness the catastrophic effects of climate change on my island, I also see the efforts of children across the region starting movements, lobbying for policy making and law reform, and creating Strategic Action Plans; but we cannot do this without you.”

Daniel told the leaders that her peers need their unwavering support and attention to manage the grave effects of climate change on small island developing states.