The CARICOM Young Professionals Programme (CYPP) is celebrating the appointment of Hasani Mc Donald as St. Kitts and Nevis’ representative on the United Nations Youth Advisory Group (UNYAG) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
According to a statement from the CARICOM Secretariat, the UN Youth Advisory Group serves as a platform that brings together youth leaders from across the sub-region to ensure that the perspectives of young people are reflected in efforts to advance sustainable development.
The advisory group works closely with the United Nations Sub-Regional Team (UNST) and plays a key role in promoting inclusive, resilient and impactful change across the Caribbean.
In outlining his vision for the role, Mc Donald said his responsibilities will include championing youth interests at the national, regional and international levels, ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into programmes and initiatives led by the UN Sub-Regional Team, and advocating for the inclusion and well-being of marginalised and vulnerable youth.
He also noted that part of the role involves raising awareness of ongoing projects implemented by UN agencies through communication and outreach initiatives.
Mc Donald’s appointment follows his successful tenure as Vice-Chair of the 2025 cohort of the UN Youth Advisory Group for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Reflecting on his new role, Mc Donald said he is eager to continue contributing to youth advocacy across the region.
“I intend to amplify youth leadership in sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive policymaking across the Caribbean,” he said.
The CARICOM Secretariat congratulated Mc Donald, noting that his journey reflects the growing leadership role being played by Caribbean youth on the international stage.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which St. Kitts and Nevis is a member, is a regional organisation established on July 4, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas by four Caribbean leaders—Forbes Burnham of Guyana, Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago, Michael Manley of Jamaica, and Errol Barrow of Barbados. The organisation was created to promote economic integration, coordinated foreign policy, and cooperation among Caribbean states.
Today, CARICOM comprises 15 member states and works to strengthen regional unity, improve the quality of life for Caribbean citizens, and provide a unified voice for small developing states in global affairs.
The Secretariat said Mc Donald’s appointment demonstrates the continued contribution of Caribbean youth to regional development and global policymaking.
