Montserrat Delegate Reflects on SB64

Following his participation in the Island Youth Network's inaugural Virtual Delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Negotiations (SB64), Montserrat's Sandrae Thomas joined ZJB Newsroom to reflect on his experience representing the island on the global climate stage.

During the interview, Sandrae spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for young islanders to engage directly with international decision-making processes. He shared how following the negotiations provided valuable insight into how climate policy is shaped and highlighted why island voices must be part of these conversations.

“While islanders are often on the front lines of the climate environmental and developmental issues, young people rarely have opportunities to engage”

The Island Youth Network was established to address the lack of opportunities for young islanders to engage in international policy processes. Through its first Virtual Delegation, young leaders from islands across the Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean and North Atlantic were able to follow negotiations, engage with experts, and develop a deeper understanding of the UN climate process

Sandrae highlighted one of the greatest strengths of the Island Youth Network: bringing together young leaders from islands around the world who often face similar challenges despite their different geographies.

As Sandrae explained:

"We are not standalone; we are able to relate to other island nations across the world"

Sandrae also expressed his gratitude to the Small Islands Organisation (SMILO), whose accreditation support made the initiative possible, enabling delegates to participate in the negotiations remotely.

We are grateful to ZJB Newsroom for highlighting Sandrae's experience and for helping to share the importance of ensuring young island voices are heard in global climate discussions.

You can listen to the full interview HERE