Grenadian youth leaders appointed UN Youth Advisors

Grenadian youth leaders Raheem Smith and Zinzee Noel have been appointed to the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Youth Advisory Group (UN YAG). Their appointments came into effect in January 2025.

The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is a flagship youth-development programme of the United Nations Sub-regional Office, which brings together young, enterprising leaders from Barbados and OECS member states to engage in and advise on youth-related initiatives of the United Nations Development System.

Zinzee Noel, a youth parliamentarian and disability youth advocate, returns to the YAG for a second one-year term, whilst Raheem Smith, an environment and humanitarian youth leader, joins as a new member. Reflecting on her tenure, Noel, who is pleased to serve for another term, stated: “I’m honoured to continue advocating for inclusivity and accessibility — because real progress leaves no one behind.”

Meanwhile, Smith is also looking forward to joining counterparts from across the region to help enhance the UN’s youth-related programming. He noted: “It is an honour to represent Grenada on this very important platform. The UN continues to play a major role in youth development throughout the Caribbean. I will serve to the best of my ability.”

UN Youth Advisory Group appointees are mandated to

1.  Serve as youth advocates for UN Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to promote youth interest in sustainable development at a national, local and international level
2.  Support and champion new youth-led initiatives and programmes within the United Nations system
3. Participate in UN advocacy events to promote the 2030 Agenda and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
4. Engage in communication and outreach activities to raise awareness of ongoing programmes and projects being implemented by UN agencies across the sub-region

Appointments are usually for a one-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second.

UN YAG