Caribbean Climate Justice
Leaders Academy

Our current program is a fully funded opportunity for young Caribbean activists and community leaders to learn about Climate Justice, engage with global policymakers, and promote climate action at UN’s COP28 .

Register your interest in participating in our program for 2024.

Our 2024 program will focus on a specific region to be determined and more information will be added in due course.

Do you have a leading role in creating a just transition and amplifying the voices of vulnerable or marginalised groups within the Caribbean? Make real impact in Climate justice NOW!

Throughout the course, you will be able to acquire the right knowledge, cultivate a network of like-minded peers, and interact to accelerate action taking your vision and work to the next level. Moreover, the top 5 participants will be able to travel to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) as part of a fully-funded on-site learning experience in Dubai, broadening the reach and impact of your conversations for a positive Caribbean future.

Caribbean Climate Justice Future Leaders Program
COP28 Delegation

Island Innovation is providing a unique, fully-funded opportunity for 10 participants from the Caribbean Climate Justice Academy to attend COP28 in Dubai, serving as envoys for their island communities.

Why is this program important for the Caribbean?

The Caribbean region faces many challenges related to climate change and its impacts, including rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of storms and hurricanes, coastal erosion, and loss of biodiversity. These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, women, LGBTQ+, children, disabled and indigenous peoples, who may have limited resources and specific challenges when adapting and coping with these changes.

Climate justice advocates in the Caribbean campaign for a more equitable distribution of climate finance and technology transfer to support the region’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. This includes efforts to address systemic inequalities and social injustices that exacerbate climate vulnerability, such as poverty, gender inequality, and land tenure issues.

This program aims to build an inclusive scenario and capacity for young professionals, eligible students, and young community leaders working for a better future for the Caribbean regions, and to enhance the quality of life of its people. Furthermore, by creating a wider network, we will connect the participants to other SIDS climate justice activists and movements that will enable them to expand their future career options and reach.

What does the Caribbean Climate Justice Future Leaders Program entail?

Weekly training sessions & access to our Online Platform:

You’ll receive expert training and capacity building through 10 weeks of online training sessions from climate experts where you’ll learn about the basics of Climate Justice, effective communication, and how to take climate action.

Networking and interactive sessions:

Throughout the program, you will be able to engage with other climate professionals and community leaders. You’ll build your professional network and learn from others passionate about climate issues.

Fully funded on-site learning experience at COP28:

You will be included in a selection process that will choose 5 participants to travel and attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in person happening this year in Dubai. Activities, events, and workshops will be organized, as well as networking sessions to make the most of the onsite learning experience. There will also be a unique opportunity to engage with key experts in the global arena.

Share your plan of action with a global audience:

At the end of the program, all participants will be able to share in front of a key audience of experts, their vision and plan of action as to how to implement the lessons learned and give back to the Caribbean to accelerate progress.

Caribbean Climate Justice Mentorship Program

You will have the opportunity to mentor and guide the next cohort of the program and build long-lasting relationships  to help accelerate climate action.

Who can apply?

This Program focuses on elevating the role of Caribbean Youth in Climate Action. Whether you’re already working on justice, mitigating the effects of climate change within your community, strengthening the resilience of indigenous communities, or committed to building a better future for your region, this program might be just for you!

Here are the eligibility criteria:

We will also value strong communication skills, and an ability to work collaboratively in diverse groups. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications have been extended and will now close on July 5, 2023.

By July 15, you will receive a communication stating your acceptance status.

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Bonaire
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Curacao
Dominica
Dominican Republic
French Guiana
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guyana
Haiti
Jamaica
Martinique
Montserrat
Puerto Rico
Saba
San Andrés and Providencia
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Sint Maarten
Sint Eustatius
St Kitts and Nevis
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands

Anyone meeting the above-mentioned requirements is eligible to apply.
The program will start in mid-July 2023 and last until January 2024. However, training sessions will be conducted throughout 10 weeks from July until September. Participants will have 3 months to create their Execution Plan, from October until January.

No! The Program is completely funded by our partner, the Open Society Foundations.

The training sessions will each be 90 minutes long and happen every week on the same day & time.

All sessions and the full Academy experience will be in English. Although there is no certification requirement, a good command of the language (oral & written) will be needed to make the most out of the experience.
Attendance at or viewing all sessions, completion of the on-the-spot assignments, active participation, and engagement.
All content and recordings will be available, and participants may participate asynchronously to balance work & life.
Yes, all sessions will be recorded and shared within the online platform together with additional resources.
Yes, upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion that will recognise your training and knowledge acquired. Participants will need to complete all assignments and watch all the sessions to acquire the certifications.
Thank you for registering your interest!
We will let you know over email when we open the applications for the 2024 program. In the meantime, please remember to check out our website for more information to come in due course. Thank you.
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