Youths urged to join online discussions ahead of UNDP Youth-IN portal launch

MINISTER of Culture and Youth in Barbados Stephen Lashley and former Ms Universe, Wendy Fitzwilliam will be among the speakers at the launch of the United Nations Development Programme Youth-IN portal on Wednesday, at the UNDP headquarters in Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados.{{more}}

In the lead up to the launch, and to maximise the reach and involvement of youth from across the region, UNDP Youth-IN is hosting a series of interactive Internet discussions entitled: “Are you in or are you out? Join Youth-IN!”

These discussions will feature regional pioneers and prominent exponents of art, culture, media and politics and will be streamed live on both youth-in.com and its Facebook page (facebook.com/youthinnovation).

The very first talk took place yesterday, and was entitled “Young people this, young people that – what media says about youth!” The discussion was led by two media leaders – Vincentian Clare Keizer, the CEO and Editor of SEARCHLIGHT and St Lucia’s Clinton Reynolds, who is the president of the Media Association of St Lucia.

The second talk also took place yesterday and asked the bold question “Is Caribbean Politics An Old Man’s Game?” and features youthful politicians who have front row seats to regional politics – President of the Barbadian Senate Kerryann Ifill and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment in Jamaica Damion Crawford.

The final panel discussion to launch the Youth-IN portal will be held today, at 3 p.m. and will feature entertainment entrepreneur and Creative Director of Island People in Trinidad – Marlon Grant, as well as internationally renowned saxophonist Arturo Tappin on the topic: “Ain’t No Business Like Show Business: The Life And Trials Of A Cultural Entrepreneur”.

Young people around the region are encouraged to join in online, ask questions and share their views as the panellists tackle some hot button issues.

Dr Paula Hidalgo-Sanchis, UNDP’s Youth-IN project coordinator, said the interactive discussions tied in perfectly with the project’s mission.

“We’re really excited about this because Youth-IN is all about young Caribbean people being involved, being invested and participating in their development. So what better way to get young people engaged than to seek out their opinions on the issues that affect them? It’s even more exciting since our panellists embody the Youth-IN ethos because they are already deeply involved in changing their communities and their industries.”