#Résilience

Publié le 18/08/2025, mis à jour le 18/08/2025

From the islands to the rest of the world: the voice of a youth committed to the Ocean - episode 5/6 (Cerys Joshua)

  •           In June 2025, the city of Nice hosted the 3rd edition of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Building on its commitment to the environmental and ecological resilience of European and British Overseas Countries and Territories, the Green Overseas Programme was involved in a long-term and far-reaching effort to make its participation in this international event an unforgettable episode.
              From the outset, the Programme team set about putting together a delegation of ten young people from the OCTs benefiting from the Program: these 10 young people, representing a total of 8 OCTs (New Caledonia, Bermuda, French Polynesia, Ascension Island, Montserrat, Sint Maarten, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, and Aruba) carried the voice and colors of the Green Overseas Program through a series of workshops, exchanges and conversations, whose reflections are recounted through the testimonies of each of them.

  •           I am Cerys Joshua, and I had the honour of attending the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, as part of the Green Overseas (GO) Programme Youth Delegation, proudly representing my island, St Helena, which is a small and remote British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean.
              During UNOC3, I took part in a wide range of events and presentations within the Green Zone, focusing particularly on sessions that related to St Helena’s Category VI Marine Protected Area (MPA). These talks offered valuable insights into global marine conservation strategies, sustainable ocean practices, and the intersection of science, policy, and community.
     

  •           A highlight of the experience was engaging with other youth delegates from various EU and UK Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). We exchanged perspectives on the shared challenges our islands face, such as the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity, the importance of ocean literacy, and the need for stronger local engagement. I learned about community-led initiatives in other territories, and I shared information about St Helena’s marine protected area and the efforts being made on-island to preserve our marine ecosystem. 

    These exchanges highlighted the value of regional collaboration and reinforced how much we can learn from one another.


              Coming from a close-knit island community of around 4,000 people, participating in such a large-scale international forum was far outside my comfort zone. However, it was incredibly rewarding. This experience helped me overcome feelings of imposter syndrome and has boosted my confidence in public speaking and advocacy. It reminded me of the power of connection, whether through professional networking, exchanging knowledge, or simply listening with intention.
              One of the most powerful messages I took away from UNOC3 is the vital importance of including youth voices in global environmental discussions. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow - we are the decision-makers of today. UNOC3 made it clear to me that our voices must be heard if we are to achieve sustainable ocean governance.
              On St Helena we have a Youth Parliament group, and I hope that this experience will inspire other young people within the group to take advantage of similar opportunities for learning and international engagement. I plan to share what I have learned with the Youth Parliament and within the wider community, particularly around topics such as ocean health, conservation efforts, fisheries management, and the importance of regional collaboration. My goal is to encourage more young people to become involved in environmental action and to ensure that St Helena remains an active part of the global conversation on ocean sustainability.
     

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