The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors proudly joins the international community in recognizing August 12 as International Youth Day (IYD) 2025 under the theme: “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond.” This year’s observance highlights the vital contributions young people are making at the community level to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build a more just, inclusive and resilient world.

As part of the 2025 IYD events, The Office of Youth Affairs (TOYA) hosted a Youth Entrepreneur Expo at Pier 6 on Sunday, August 10th. Highlighting SDG Goal 1 - No Poverty, and focusing especially on combatting child poverty, the event was a platform for young people between ages 14 – 24 who owned their own business to connect with the public at a vendor’s market allowing them to be active in addressing their own financial future and well-being.

Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, acknowledged the powerful impact of Bermuda’s young people in shaping the island’s future:

“Our youth are leading with purpose, driving change within their schools, communities and across the island. From environmental activism to mental health awareness, entrepreneurship to education equity, Bermuda’s young people are demonstrating bold leadership aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. As a Ministry, we are committed to amplifying their efforts and ensuring they have the support, resources and platforms needed to thrive, not only today but for generations to come.”

The event was inspired by TOYA’s summer intern, I’Aura Golding who while conducting research for the Youth Development Team came across the idea of the expo and pitched it to the larger team. 

Other Ministry initiatives which champion youth empowerment include the National Youth Policy, which aims to amplify youth voices in decision-making processes and foster their active participation in Bermuda’s development and the annual National Youth Conferences, which serves as a dynamic platform for young people to share their perspectives and contribute meaningfully to shaping Bermuda’s future. 

International Youth Day 2025 serves as a reminder that sustainable progress must be rooted in local action and that youth are not passive beneficiaries but active architects of solutions. By creating opportunities for leadership, innovation and civic engagement, the Ministry reaffirms its dedication to helping young Bermudians realize their full potential in support of national priorities and global goals.

Minister Furbert also acknowledges the hard work and dedication of TOYA’s Youth Development Team for consistently providing opportunities for Bermuda’s youth. TOYA’s commitment to lead by example by encouraging youth to fill spaces that they traditionally have not, and always seeing the capability and potential of Bermuda’s youth ensures that we are on the right path to a more sustainable future. 

As Bermuda reflects on its shared responsibilities toward sustainability and equity, the Ministry encourages all sectors, public, private and non-profit to partner with youth, invest in their ideas, and celebrate their contributions to a more sustainable and inclusive Bermuda.