KINGSTON, Jamaica — Damian Cox, Senior Director of the Access to Information Unit (AIU), emphasized the critical role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future during his keynote address at the AIU’s Right to Know Week 2025 Conference. Held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, the event underscored the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges.
Cox highlighted that youth, as future leaders, must be empowered through education to foster sustainable practices. He referenced the United Nations General Assembly’s affirmation that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a vital component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in achieving quality education and enabling other global objectives.
The AIU, under the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, has collaborated with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) to implement programs engaging students in sustainable environmental initiatives. Cox stressed that young people are the innovators of tomorrow, and their success is pivotal to the nation’s progress.
Addressing the conference theme, ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,’ Cox acknowledged the digital revolution’s potential to facilitate information sharing and foster intergenerational solutions. However, he cautioned against challenges such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, and misinformation, which require careful navigation.
Cox called for collective efforts to bridge these gaps, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education and information. He reiterated the AIU’s commitment to providing the public with access to environmental and legal information, aligning with its mission to promote transparency and democratic engagement.
The Right to Know Week 2025 concluded on September 28, coinciding with the International Day for Universal Access to Information, a UNESCO initiative advocating for public access to information held by governmental bodies.