THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN THE BLUE ECONOMY IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPMENT STATES IN THE PACIFIC

This knowledge forum on the blue economy and youth in the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) provided a comprehensive exploration of the blue economy concept within the context of Pacific SIDS and emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping sustainable ocean management and economic development.

OBJECTIVES

• Gain a sound understanding of the Blue Economy and the importance of a Just Transition.

• Deep dive on the role of youth to support the Blue Economy in SIDS.

• Build the case for the promotion of the youth work to support the Blue Economy.

• Strengthen the collaboration and communication capabilities of youth, empowering them to effectively engage stakeholders and build consensus for more inclusive and impactful policy development and implementation towards the blue economy.

CONTENT

This knowledge forum highlighted the crucial role of youth in advocating for sustainable practices, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting social and environmental justice in the Pacific SIDS context. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will explore strategies to empower and engage youth in driving the sustainable development of their coastal communities. By the forum’s conclusion, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to harness the potential of youth in Pacific’s SIDS, nurturing their leadership and fostering a sustainable and inclusive blue economy that benefits present and future generations.

The knowledge forum had a duration of 3 days of training with 3 online self-guided modules and a webinar for each module:

• Module 1: Overview of the blue economy in Small Island Developing States.

• Module 2: The role of Youth in the Blue Economy in Small Island Development States in the Pacific.

• Module 3: Enabling conditions needed for youth and the way forward.

Topics that were covered in the Modules are:

• The triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and sustainable development

• Definitions and key elements of the blue economy

• The importance of small island developing states in the blue economy

• The impact of young people in fostering the blue economy and the enabling conditions needed that could empower their involvement.

• ILO guidelines to a just transition

NUMBER OF HOURS: 20