Antigua and Barbuda’s youth must be given the resources and opportunities to lead change in their communities, says Opposition MP Richard S. Lewis in a message marking International Youth Day.

Observed annually on 12 August, this year’s theme — _“Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”_ — focuses on enabling young people to translate the global Sustainable Development Goals into tangible results at the community level.

Lewis stressed the need for training, tools and opportunities to help young people advance themselves and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“We need more effective outreach programmes to attract the youth at the community level and to capture their concerns and solutions,” he said, adding that respect, inclusion and engagement are essential to fostering their participation.

The Rural West MP urged a collective commitment to empowering young people and ensuring they are equipped to shape Antigua and Barbuda’s future “at every level.”