Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica Dr Wayne Henry outlined that the Youth Thematic Working Group (TWG) brings together key stakeholders who represent the interests and perspectives of the youth, ensuring their participation in national development planning, implementation, and accountability processes.

Henry emphasised that the TWG acts as a vital link between national and community level action, promoting fair, just, and equitable alignment and development that engages and benefits all Jamaicans, both locally and in the diaspora.

Addressing the Vision 2030 Jamaica Youth Leaders Summit 2025, Henry outlined the event’s aims to celebrate the role of youth in shaping Jamaica’s future under the theme, Resilience, United in Service, Together Youth Can.

“This theme is especially fitting in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica continues to confront significant challenges, the growing impacts of climate change, more intense hurricanes, shocks to our communities, pressures on our most vulnerable groups. Yet, even in the face of these realities, we are shaping a future grounded not in fear, but in resilience, innovation, and unity,” Henry said.

As outlined in Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan, the director general expressed that resilience is not just a buzzword. “It is a national strategy for survival and sustainable prosperity. Jamaica cannot afford to remain in what the plan describes as vicious spirals of disaster losses and mounting recovery costs.

“Instead, we must move decisively into vicious spirals or virtuous spirals of preparedness, mitigation, and effective response. You, our youth, are essential to leading and sustaining this shift. Building resilience is not only about major infrastructure or national policies. It begins with knowledge, innovation, and education,” he said.

Strengthening education

Henry noted that Vision 2030 Jamaica commits Jamaica to strengthening hazard risk reduction education at every stage of the learning journey, from early childhood through secondary and tertiary studies and into advanced research.

“This means equipping you with the skills, tools, and awareness needed to guide your communities in times of crisis and to champion sustainable development. The plan also reminds us that resilience must reach everyone, especially the poor and most vulnerable.”

The director general revealed that collective efforts through the Youth TWG and other youth-focused organisations and groups are therefore essential.

“You are close to the ground. You see the gaps, the risks, and the opportunities. You are the bridge that connects policy to real lives. Your projects, your advocacy, your example help strengthen the protective net for the communities that need it most.

“Across Jamaica, youth leadership continues to demonstrate what united in service truly means. Whether you are online driving digital campaigns or on the ground supporting hurricane recovery or relief, organising community groups or developing innovative tech solutions, young people consistently show up,” Henry continued.

Resilience is about bouncing forward

He emphasised that young people demonstrate that resilience is not just about bouncing back but is about bouncing forward, smarter, stronger, and more connected.

“I [also want to] encourage you to keep three things in mind. One, your voice matters in national development. Two, your ideas hold the power to influence real policies and programmes. And three, your unity makes resilience possible because no single individual or group can do this alone. At the PIOJ, we remain committed to creating the spaces, physical and virtual, that allow young people to lead.”

Henry detailed that youth energy, creativity, and courage are essential to Jamaica’s development agenda.

“As we work towards achieving our long-term national development goals and sustaining our development gains, bridging gaps through 2030 and beyond, one thing is clear. You make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business.

“We must build the future we want with you and not for you. I invite you to share openly, collaborate boldly, and think beyond limitations. Let us continue building a Jamaica where resilience is a culture, service is a way of life, and youth leadership is a national strength,” he said.