TORTOLA BVI:--- The United Nations (UN) has appointed Ms. Xyrah Wheatley of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to serve on the Youth Advisory Group for the UN Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. As a member of the UN Youth Advisory Group, Ms. Wheatley will, among other things:
• Serve as a UN Youth Advocate in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to promote youth interests and involvement in sustainable development at national and regional levels.
• Contribute to development and implementation of the United Nations Subregional Team (UNST) Youth Development Strategy for Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean.
• Advocate for inclusion and improvement in the well-being of marginalized and vulnerable youth across the sub-region, via appropriate forums at the national, regional, and international level.
• Support communication and outreach activities to raise awareness of ongoing programmes and projects being implemented by UN agencies across the sub-region.
• Support and champion new youth-led initiatives such as volunteer and mentorship programmes within the UN system.
• Participate in UN advocacy events surrounding the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievements in Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean.
Speaking on the appointment, Ms. Wheatley said,
“As a Virgin Islander, this is indeed a great honour. I will do my best as a member of the UN Youth Advisory Group to help advance the interests of youth in our sub-region, especially as it concerns the SDGs. I believe it is very important that youth are empowered in the sustainable development process.”
Ms. Wheatley’s term of appointment is for 12 months and concludes in November 2022.
Ms. Xyrah Wheatley is currently a Political Economy Officer at the BVI Hong Kong Office. She holds a Master of Science Degree in European Union Politics from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from Swansea University.
