Green Rising initiative to empower 12 000 youth in climate action

Thousands of young people who are currently out of education, employment or training stand to gain new funding and skills through the Green Rising in Barbados initiative, launched on Friday at the National Botanical Gardens.

The three-year programme aims to equip up to 12 000 young people with the tools to create climate-smart businesses, strengthen community resilience, and lead environmental advocacy across the island.

It is designed to support young people who are not currently in school, employed or enrolled in any training programme, along with young women and communities most affected by climate change.

The launch brought together students from schools across the island, teachers, youth advocates, government officials, civil society leaders and international partners.

Green Rising has secured $3 million in total funding, including US$1 million ($2 million) from UNICEF through Generation Unlimited, and $1 million from Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s personal foundation.

Speaking during the ceremony, Mottley said her contribution was made possible through the US$500 000 ($1m) Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which she received earlier this year.

She said the donation reflects her commitment to ensuring that young people are not only made aware of environmental issues but are equipped to lead solutions.

“I have no better cause to give some of this funding to,” she said.

“The children of this country can truly benefit… not just to be incentivised to care about the environment, but to believe in the possibilities for enterprise.”

She announced plans to set up an advisory board to oversee the programme’s implementation and project approvals.

The board will consist of individuals with proven experience in the green and blue economy sectors.

Mottley stressed that the selection of projects must remain free from political interference, gender bias or any criteria outside of youth merit and innovation.

Green Rising is built around four key pillars: green and blue entrepreneurship, climate leadership and advocacy, community-based environmental action, and digital innovation.

It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and Barbados’ national agenda for a just green transition.

During the ceremony, Mottley was named Global Chair of the Green Rising movement, with UNICEF officials describing Barbados as “the heart” of the global initiative, noting that the PM’s leadership would be crucial in helping the movement scale up its reach from 40 million to 100 million young people worldwide.

“Green Rising shouldn’t be a name only. Green Rising should be a movement. And Barbados is the heart of that movement,” said UNICEF’s George Laryea-Adjei.

“We have learned from your resolve and your clarity. Under your leadership, we believe we can reach 100 million young people globally.”

Abebech Assefa, the head of cooperation at the Canadian High Commission, also a partner in the initiative, echoed praise for the effort, describing it as a timely response to the dual challenges of climate vulnerability and youth unemployment.

“We’re proud to stand alongside Barbados and our partners in ensuring every young person has a fair chance to learn, to earn, and to lead. The Green Rising initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when young people are put at the centre of climate solutions,” she said.

The launch ended with a symbolic tree-planting exercise which saw the PM joining students and other officials to plant a mahogany tree in the National Botanical Gardens and unveil a plaque. (SM)