A young Antiguan leader has returned home from a transformative two-week exchange programme in China, carrying with her new partnerships, expanded perspectives, and a deepened sense of purpose in service to the youth of Antigua and Barbuda and beyond.
National Youth Ambassador and President and Founder of Youth Arise Antigua, Makiba O. Ward, recently concluded a two-week visit to China, where she participated in the Youth Leader Experience Exchange Seminar for Developing Countries from May 19 to June 1.
A Global Exchange of Ideas
During the programme, Ward engaged with youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America, fostering international friendships and partnerships while exchanging ideas on youth development, leadership, and innovation.
As part of the experience, Ward attended the 2026 Jinjiang International Economic and Trade Cooperation Fair, where she gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship, business development, and international cooperation through interactions with young entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Transformative, Personal — and Purposeful
Ward described the seminar as one of the most meaningful experiences of her academic and professional journey to date. She said the experience enhanced her leadership skills and complemented her studies in Youth Development Work with a minor in Management Studies, and expressed gratitude to the organisers and hosts for their hospitality, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and contribute to national development.
Ward noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the seminar was the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, observing that despite coming from different regions of the world, participants shared similar aspirations for empowering young people, strengthening communities, and creating positive social impact.
A Message for Antigua’s Youth
Ward used the occasion to speak directly to young people across Antigua and Barbuda, urging them never to let hesitation hold them back from the opportunities before them.
“Take up space and never be afraid to pursue opportunities that can broaden your horizons. Every experience has the potential to teach valuable lessons, create lasting connections, and open doors to new possibilities. Continue to dream big, remain committed to your goals, and believe in your ability to make a difference,” Ward said.
Ward returned to Antigua and Barbuda with renewed motivation, expanded global networks, and a strengthened commitment to fostering youth development, international cooperation, and positive change within communities at home and abroad.
For a small island nation whose greatest resource is its people, the presence of young leaders like Makiba Ward on the world stage is both a point of national pride and a powerful reminder of the potential that flourishes when young Antiguans and Barbudans are given the opportunity to represent their country.
