Caribbean Climate Centre Selects Youth Fellows
Christianna Paul and Tristan Ward join a fellowship program to attend an upcoming international climate summit.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Environmental
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The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre has selected Christianna Paul of Dominica and Tristan Ward of Barbados for its new climate leadership fellowship. The two young advocates will gain practical experience by joining the organization's delegation at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to improve understanding of climate change among youth across the region and strengthen their capacity for environmental advocacy. By integrating young leaders into global policy discussions, the program intends to foster long-term community action.
The fellowship is open to CARICOM nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 who applied during a regional call for applications. Participants will travel to Antalya, Türkiye, for the 31st iteration of the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
The players
Christianna Paul
She is a fellow from Dominica selected for the regional climate leadership program.
Tristan Ward
He is a fellow from Barbados selected for the regional climate leadership program.
Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
This organization coordinates regional efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Caribbean Development Bank
This regional financial institution provides funding for projects aimed at socio-economic development.
The details
Funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the program provides fellows with direct access to global diplomatic processes. They are expected to return to their respective nations of Dominica and Barbados to apply their conference experience to local advocacy initiatives.
Timeline
August 10 to 21, 2026: The regional call for applications took place.
November 9 to 20, 2026: The fellows will attend the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference.
The Big Picture
The fellowship prepares youth leaders to engage with the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, which serves as a global forum for climate policy. This initiative follows the pattern set by international climate summits in prioritizing the inclusion of youth voices in high-level environmental negotiations.
The program provides a pathway for young advocates to influence local climate policy by gaining first-hand knowledge of international negotiations. Participants are tasked with sharing their experiences to enhance environmental understanding within their home communities.
The takeaway
This fellowship demonstrates the growing emphasis on youth participation in global climate policy. Readers interested in environmental advocacy can seek out similar regional development programs to build their capacity for effective community leadership.
What happens next
The two selected fellows will travel to Antalya, Türkiye, to participate in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference scheduled from November 9 to 20, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing sustainability efforts in the Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dominica News Online.
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