Janet Simon, Antigua and Barbuda’s National Youth Ambassador, recently found herself in the midst of a vibrant gathering of young leaders in Washington, DC, at the 11th World Bank Group (WBG) Youth Summit. This annual event, which draws together youth aged 18-35 from around the globe, focused on the theme “Powering Progress: Youth Leading the Digital Transformation.” The summit’s discussions revolved around Digital Access & Inclusion, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainable Technology for a Livable Planet.
For Simon, who had just finished volunteering at the 4th UN SIDS Conference, attending the summit was a transformative experience. She was struck by how little many participants knew about her home country, Antigua and Barbuda, and the broader Caribbean. This realization fueled her determination to represent her region on a global stage.
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On the second day of the summit, during an energetic buzz session, Simon was the sole Caribbean voice on the WBG platform. She passionately highlighted the potential of Antigua and Barbuda, a nation with “365 beaches and a booming tourism industry,” but also with vibrant, talented youth eager to contribute to global progress. She urged investors to look beyond the familiar and explore opportunities within the Caribbean market.
Simon also brought attention to the unique challenges faced by small island states like hers, especially in the context of climate change. She emphasized the urgent need for investment in areas such as climate action, mental health, food security, and skills development. Simon was particularly inspired by innovative low-carbon projects showcased at the summit, including those using laser technology to kill weeds instead of harmful pesticides, and battery packs made from recycled plastic and lithium batteries to power homes without electricity.
Reflecting on the experience, Simon underscored the importance of moving beyond traditional approaches. “We can no longer operate within the realms of familiarity,” she said. “Development and risk-taking walk hand in hand, and we must better market ourselves and position our country for more than just tourism-based opportunities.” She also stressed the need for Antigua and Barbuda to enhance its infrastructure, training, and professional skills to fully capitalize on the opportunities emerging in AI and digital access.
For Simon, the summit was more than just an event—it was a call to action. “We must restructure our way of thinking and chart a new path to our future,” she urged, leaving her fellow attendees with a powerful message of hope and determination.
