While much of the world’s attention is fixed on the major powers at global environmental summits, two young women from a small Caribbean island nation were in the rooms where decisions are made — carrying Antigua and Barbuda’s story of climate vulnerability, grassroots action, and youth-led change to audiences on two continents simultaneously.
Two representatives of Good Humans 268 Inc. recently represented Antigua and Barbuda at separate international environmental events in France and Uzbekistan, bringing attention to issues of climate action, sustainability, and youth engagement.
Paris: UNESCO and Nestlé Youth Impact Programme
Kelisha Pigott, the organisation’s logistics coordinator, travelled to Paris to participate in the UNESCO x Nestlé Youth Impact: Because You Matter — For Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action closing event. The programme supports 100 youth-led environmental projects worldwide through grants, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives.
Uzbekistan: The Global Environment Facility Assembly
At the same time, Joshuanette Francis, President of Good Humans 268 Inc., travelled to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as part of the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform delegation to attend the 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly and Associated Meetings. The assembly brought together representatives from 186 member countries to discuss biodiversity, climate change, pollution, land degradation, and environmental financing.
A Personal Connection to the GEF
The Uzbekistan assembly carried particular resonance for Good Humans 268. The organisation noted that the Global Environment Facility holds special significance because funding received through the GEF Small Grants Programme helped launch its Student Community Service Recycling Project.
That project has delivered measurable, real-world results. The recycling initiative has diverted more than two million recyclable items from Antigua and Barbuda’s landfill while engaging thousands of students and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Sharing Antigua’s Story with the World
The organisation said participation in the international events provided an opportunity to share experiences from Antigua and Barbuda while building partnerships and learning from environmental initiatives in other countries.
Good Humans 268 added that it remains committed to promoting climate action, disability inclusion, waste management, and sustainable development, while ensuring Antigua and Barbuda is represented in global environmental discussions.
For a small island developing state that contributes minimally to global emissions yet faces disproportionate consequences from climate change, the presence of organisations like Good Humans 268 at the highest levels of international environmental dialogue is not merely admirable — it is essential.
