The United Nations Youth Office selected two Caribbean nationals among 17 global young leaders advancing sustainable development initiatives for 2025. Anthurium Lewis, 16, from Trinidad and Tobago, and Adelin Pierre, 33, from Haiti, earned recognition through a competitive process that attracted over 33,000 candidates from more than 150 nations.
Lewis described the international body as representing cooperation across borders to achieve shared objectives and serve as a beacon of collective action. Pierre emphasized that youth engagement matters because major global issues, such as economic inequality to environmental degradation, will determine their generation's prospects. The program honors individuals between the ages of 16 and 33 every two years who demonstrate innovation in addressing worldwide challenges.
Felipe Paullier, assistant secretary-general for youth affairs at the organization, commended the group for showing determination and ingenuity while tackling problems from climate emergencies to mental wellness and educational reform. He stated the leaders represent unity and progress during an era marked by fragmentation. Judges from entertainment, business, advocacy, and governmental sectors evaluated applications to identify changemakers working across human rights, security, and development priorities.
Lewis described the international body as representing cooperation across borders to achieve shared objectives and serve as a beacon of collective action. Pierre emphasized that youth engagement matters because major global issues, such as economic inequality to environmental degradation, will determine their generation's prospects. The program honors individuals between the ages of 16 and 33 every two years who demonstrate innovation in addressing worldwide challenges.
Felipe Paullier, assistant secretary-general for youth affairs at the organization, commended the group for showing determination and ingenuity while tackling problems from climate emergencies to mental wellness and educational reform. He stated the leaders represent unity and progress during an era marked by fragmentation. Judges from entertainment, business, advocacy, and governmental sectors evaluated applications to identify changemakers working across human rights, security, and development priorities.
