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involving representatives of the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean planned for this year. Aside from bringing together political leaders from these three regions to discuss areas of partnership and cooperation, the meeting would also involve ordinary young people along with civil society and business representatives. O n the issue of empowerment, Commissioner Urpilainen said through the creation of business and economic opportunities they hope to reduce inequalities and ensure all young people have the skills and resources needed to succeed. The diplomat used the occasion to announce that the EU has committed €14 million for the international education exchange programme, Erasmus+ , in the Caribbean. She said this will support higher education and vocational institutions and increase prospects for young people to network and be involved in exchange programmes with their peers worldwide. As a former teacher and youth activist, the Commissioner said the single greatest investment countries can make is in young people who face many challenges, among them climate change, conflicts, a pandemic, and inequality. “I am very passionate about putting youth in the driver’s seat,” said the diplomat as she promised to listen to the concerns, aspirations, and messages of the youth. Some primary concerns among the youth were outlined by President of the Guild of Students at Cave Hill Osazé Moraldo-Bowen at the start of the session. He identified a lack of economic opportunities as a major setback and suggested a rethink of the way public and private enterprises scout, hire, and retain their talent to help youth transition into the workforce after they had educated and upskilled themselves. Moraldo-Bowen linked limited access to economic opportunities to the high cost of
meaningful participation and give us a real voice in shaping solutions that can impact our futures.” Prior to the roundtable, some members of The University of the West Indies’ administration, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles , met with Commissioner Urpilainen and other members of her delegation. Sir Hilary acknowledged that The UWI was playing its part in preparing the youth for the global stage even though access to higher education remains a challenge in this region. He noted that mandating all students to study a foreign language component, from the 2022 academic year onwards, would empower youth and assist them in being effective global citizens. The Vice-Chancellor also spoke glowingly of the enduring relationship between The UWI and the EU and the support it has given to the university to help drive development in the region. The 11-12 October visit to Barbados marked the first mission of Commissioner Urpilainen to the Caribbean. l
Osazé Moraldo-Bowen President of the Guild of Students The UWI, Cave Hill Campus
intraregional travel that prevents persons from taking advantage of prospects in other states, corruption that has led to apathy of political affairs, concerns about tokenism rather than meaningful inclusion, and the climate change threat to the region. “The first step in dealing with these issues and challenges, in my opinion, is respect for young persons. Respect for their opinions, perspectives, and ideas. Once this respect is [given], it will promote
Principal Prof. Clive Landis (far right) in conversation with the European delegation and senior campus officials
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