Dominica celebrated International Youth Day 2025 on Tuesday, August 11, 2025 under the theme ‘Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future’. Minister for Youth, Sports and Community Development – Oscar George commemorated the day and stated that the youth are a significant partners in the development of Dominica.
The Nature Island of Caribbean along with the global community marked the day. Minister Oscar George praised the youth and said that they are the ‘heartbeat of the nation’ and ‘main chapter’ of the country’s story.
Minister George addressed the nation on this occasion and reflected upon its historical significance. Notably, the first International Youth Day was observed in year 2000 following a United Nations resolution. Every year, the event highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by youth worldwide, especially linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) theme.
George highlighted that the 2025 celebrations for International Youth Day focus reminds them that youth are not just beneficiaries of development, but they are also essential partners in achieving it.
While addressing the nation, he saluted young men and women of Dominica for their contributions in fields such as education, climate action, entrepreneurship, sports and the arts.
He also mentioned that from the villages across the length and breadth of this lovely country to the streets of the capital city, the youth is shaping present Dominica and laying the platform for the future growth and development.
Oscar George also acknowledged the 2025-26 National Budget that includes millions of dollars for programmes, that aims at equipping young people with skills, connecting them to jobs and opening pathways in agriculture, tourism, technology, sports, culture and entrepreneurship.
There are some specific initiatives which includes expanded CVQ and NVQ qualifications, establishing Digital Fabrication Lab at the Dominica State College and financing studies in engineering, aviation, renewable energy, and environmental science.
He further stated that the investments by the Government in scholarship programmes, youth skills training, digital skills, and job creation are designed well, so that when opportunity knocks, the youth is ready to answer. George urged young people to seize opportunity and moreover they should make efforts to create them.
He encouraged youth that they should be the recipients of opportunity and should be creators of it. According to him, youth should start providing leadership through the formation of youth groups, volunteer in their community and use their skills to mentor others. The Minister for Youth, Sports and Community Development also called on the wider society to play its part.
He further said that they have a shared responsibility to promote the positives of the young people, to celebrate their achievements, and to provide the guidance that will inspire them to be true role models for the upcoming generation.
George concluded his address by reminding the nation of the vital role that young people play in shaping the future of the country. He said that the International Youth Day reminds them that youngsters are not a side note in story of Dominica. They are the main chapter. Their energy and their determination are the true engines of the sustainable future.
The Minister ended with a rallying call and stated that it is a step forward in faith, in courage, and in unity. This is their moment, and together they will build Dominica they deserve and the world needs.