MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HONOURABLE MRS. KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC, MP, ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNITED NATIONS’ INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2025
UNITED VOICE
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HONOURABLE MRS. KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC, MP, ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNITED NATIONS’ INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2025
12 August 2025
Today, Trinidad and Tobago joins the global community in celebrating International Youth Day 2025, themed “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond.”
This underscores the power of our young citizens to engender practical, community-based progress. Our youth are not only tomorrow’s leaders—they are today’s agents of change. Their creativity, innovation, and deep community roots drive sustainable development and digital transformation across our twin-island State.
Since taking office, my Government has moved swiftly to protect and empower our young people. We raised the legal age for alcohol consumption to 21 years and for gambling and marijuana use to 25 years, demonstrating our commitment to their health and future.
Looking ahead, our youth policies will focus on:
· Major investment in Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) and digital-skills training for the sustainable, technology-driven jobs of tomorrow.
· Expanded support for youth entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community initiativesthat localise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
· Broader access to mentorship, financing, and safe innovation spaces where young people can create, collaborate, and lead.
On this International Youth Day, I urge every young person to channel their energy and ideas into their communities. I call on civil society and the private sector to ensure youth voices are heard, talents nurtured, and aspirations realised.
To the youth of Trinidad and Tobago, always remember that your passion lights the path to a more just, resilient, and prosperous nation. My Government believes in you, stands with you, and will keep investing in your future. May God bless and protect you always.
Happy International Youth Day, Trinidad and Tobago.
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