United Nations and Ministry of Youth and Sports Put Young People at the Heart of Sustainable Development  

Those were some of the themes that energized discussions when United Nations Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu met with Minister of Youth and Sports, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, and senior ministry officials during his official mission to The Bahamas.

The meeting focused on a powerful goal: ensuring that every young Bahamian has the opportunity to succeed.

From entrepreneurship and employment to sports, leadership and second chances, government and United Nations officials explored new ways to work together to help young people develop their talents, build successful futures and contribute to national development.

"Youth is a precious stage of life," Mr. Zulu said, noting that many of the decisions made during these formative years help determine the course of a person's future. He emphasized that investing in young people means investing in the future of The Bahamas.

He also highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between government, the private sector and development partners to ensure young people are equipped with the skills today's workforce demands while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Our young people have ideas that can transform communities and move countries forward," he noted. "When we invest in them, we invest in sustainable development."

Minister Bowleg echoed that optimism, pointing to the remarkable impact Bahamian youth continue to make both at home and around the world.

He observed that while many young Bahamians pursue education and careers overseas, their connection to home remains strong.

"Wherever they go, Bahamians carry The Bahamas in their hearts," the Minister shared, encouraging young people to spread their wings, seize every opportunity and one day bring their knowledge, experience and success back home to inspire the next generation.

The discussion showcased several of the Ministry's flagship programmes that are already helping young Bahamians build brighter futures.

Officials highlighted Be Inspired, which provides grants to young entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses; Fresh Start, offering young people a second chance to rebuild their lives; Job Ready, preparing recent high school graduates for employment; and a variety of summer camps that keep children engaged, active and learning throughout the vacation months.

Sports also featured prominently during the discussions, with ministry officials highlighting the continued growth of athletics across The Bahamas and the vital role sport plays in developing confidence, discipline, teamwork and leadership. Officials also noted that increased government investment is allowing the Department of Sports to expand support not only for athletes but also for coaches who help develop future champions.

The meeting also celebrated the important contributions Bahamian youth continue to make within the United Nations system. Young Bahamians have represented the country on issues ranging from climate change and education to the priorities of Small Island Developing States. Among those recognized was Amber Turner, the 2026 Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) Fellow, who is currently serving at United Nations Headquarters in New York with The Bahamas Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

The engagement formed part of Mr. Zulu's official mission to strengthen collaboration between the United Nations and national partners while advancing the localization of the 2027–2031 Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF). The discussions will help ensure that the voices, aspirations and potential of young Bahamians remain central to the country's sustainable development journey.

As the meeting concluded, one message rang loud and clear: when young people are given opportunities to learn, lead, innovate and dream boldly, they don't just build better futures for themselves—they help build a stronger Bahamas for everyone.