KINGSTON, Jamaica — Caribbean youth are positioning themselves at the forefront of the region’s sustainable energy transformation as the Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC) hosts its second major climate conference. The Caribbean Climate & Sustainable Energy Youth Workshop 2026, convened from March 4-6 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, represents a strategic effort to empower young leaders in shaping climate-resilient futures for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Under the theme “SUSEnergy: Equity and Inclusion in a Changing Climate,” the gathering brings together youth delegates, policy experts, energy specialists, and community advocates from across the Caribbean Community (Caricom). This collaborative initiative, supported by Youth Action Co: Lab and Youth4Energy, addresses the dual challenges of climate vulnerability and energy security that disproportionately affect island nations.
The workshop’s programming, developed with backing from the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), features expert-led sessions examining renewable energy deployment strategies, inclusive energy policy frameworks, and youth engagement in climate governance. Through interactive dialogues and solution-oriented workshops, participants are developing practical approaches to advance equitable energy transitions.
A highlight of the event includes an educational field visit to the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) and the EV Lab at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. This hands-on component provides delegates with direct exposure to cutting-edge research in environmental science, renewable technology, and electric mobility solutions being developed within the region.
The conference represents a significant evolution from previous youth climate initiatives by focusing specifically on actionable outcomes and measurable impact. By facilitating cross-sector collaboration between emerging leaders and established institutions, the workshop aims to translate dialogue into concrete pathways for youth-led climate action and sustainable energy investment across the Caribbean.