Prime Minister the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie said that CARICOM States are “acutely aware of the complexity of the global economic environment and the major transformations underway in the world economy”; and he holds the belief that the aftermath of the global economic and financial crises has translated into a less than favourable international context for small island developing States (SIDS) in the CARICOM Region into much of the next decade or so.

With these challenges facing the world, he said it is becoming increasingly important to find ways to ‘integrate’ the youth in the economy, pointing to a direct link between the survival of the Caribbean region and the integration of its young people. To this end, Mr. Christie said that every effort should be made to ensure the success of the young people of the region.

Mr. Christie was speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the opening of the 2015 Integration Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in New York City on Monday, March 30th.

“Given its susceptibility to external shocks, the global realities and challenges are either mirrored or heightened in the CARICOM Region, evidenced in persistent low growth rates and crippling external debt, as well as in growing unemployment, especially among our youth,” said Mr. Christie.

He said that CARICOM has adopted either home-grown or multilaterally supported stabilisation and structural adjustment programmes, which have not yet resulted in sustained growth in those Member States experiencing significant macro-economic imbalances. Revitalizing economic growth, he says, is of ‘critical importance’ to preventing further deterioration in the Region’s human development gains. The Caribbean has already taken strides to mitigate this decay by establishing a plan.

“It is apparent that such a plan must take into consideration the rising levels of unemployment, particularly in the youth, which exists alongside skill shortages in several key areas. We acknowledge that such a repositioning must therefore be one which reviews in a holistic manner, the content and focus of our education and training systems, and places emphasis on areas including innovation and creativity; digital literacy and entrepreneurship; as well as issues of gender and inclusiveness,” he said.

As a result, last year the CARICOM Heads of Government approved “The Strategic Plan for the Caribbean Community 2015-2019: Repositioning CARICOM” – the first ever Plan of its kind for our Community. The document lays out a comprehensive Plan for building economic, social and environmental resilience in the Community, as well as strengthening governance along with coordinated foreign policy, research and development, and innovation.

Efforts, he said, will be made to advance human capital development, through the enhancement of key skills, education reform and youth development.

“We will build capacity and create green jobs in our efforts to manage adaptation to climate change and mitigate it effects, and enhance our resilience to natural disasters. And we will forge a culture of innovation, increase job creation, entrepreneurship and new business development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).”

He said that in order for these efforts to be successful, the region needs the support of the international community.

“We in CARICOM also believe that the United Nations, this Council in particular, is uniquely placed to spearhead global efforts to assist Member States in achieving sustainable development, including through employment creation and decent work for all. We hope this Segment can bring about useful discussion and action in this regard,” said Mr. Christie.