Context and Background:

Across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean, young people are speaking out about issues that affect their safety, opportunity, and sense of belonging. Yet many feel excluded from the spaces where decisions are made. The UNDP Youth Forum on Gender, Justice & Security was created to bridge this gap, providing a national platform where young people can engage directly with institutions, learn about their rights, and co-create solutions for more inclusive governance and justice systems. The Forum is grounded in UNDP’s belief that meaningful youth participation is both a driver and outcome of sustainable development. It builds on UNDP’s Youth Strategy 2025–2028 and aligns with regional youth development frameworks and national policies, as well as the 2030 Agenda’s commitment to leaving no one behind.

The Youth Forum on Justice, Gender and Security – From Discontent to Positive Change was established to create a safe, inclusive platform for young people to engage in dialogue, build skills, and co-design solutions to issues affecting their communities. The initiative supports youth leadership, civic engagement, and peacebuilding, while strengthening linkages between young people, institutions, and development partners.