Two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals have been named among the cohort of 17 Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A UN statement said that this marks the first cohort to be selected and announced by the newly established United Nations Youth Office, building on the legacy of the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, which launched the initiative in 2016.
Every two years, the United Nations Youth Office recognizes 17 exceptional young changemakers who are driving solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges and whose leadership is helping to advance the achievement of the SDGs. Since its inception, the initiative has reached millions of young people around the globe, inspiring action and amplifying youth-led innovation and collaboration.
The two Caribbean nationals named are 16-year-old Anthurium Lewis of Trinidad and Tobago and 33 year-old Adelin Pierre of Haiti.
‘To me, the United Nations represents breaking barriers between nations to serve a common purpose. It stands as a symbol of hope and shared humanity; embodying collaboration, compassion, collective responsibility and bringing the world together to create meaningful change,’ Lewis said.
Pierre said ‘young people should care about the SDGs because the world’s biggest challenges, from poverty to climate change, will define their future. Getting involved lets them shape a more just, inclusive and sustainable world for all.’
The UN said that following an open call for applications earlier this year, which captured more than 33,000 applications from over 150 countries, the 2025 Young Leaders for the SDGs – who are all between 16 and 33 years of age – hail from all corners of the world.
It said that they are artists, founders, community mobilizers, athletes, physicians, peacebuilders, entrepreneurs, and scientists working across all pillars of the United Nations: sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security.
‘The 2025 cohort of Young Leaders for the SDGs is a powerful testament to the courage, creativity and commitment of young people driving real change in every corner of the world,’ said Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.
‘From confronting the climate crisis and advancing mental health, to reimagining education and championing peace, these young leaders are not just responding to today’s global challenges – they are actively reshaping the future. At a time of deep division and uncertainty, they embody the very spirit of the United Nations: unity, action and hope for a better tomorrow,’ Paullier added.
The UN said that a distinguished judges panel, composed of influential leaders from across the entertainment industry, private sector, civil society, government and beyond, provided invaluable inputs and feedback as part of the selection process.