A young Bermudian has been chosen to represent the island on the global stage as a member of a prestigious environmental youth delegation.

Noelle Young, the sole youth representative at the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme and two-times former host of the Bermuda’s Youth Climate Summit, is the first female from Bermuda to hold the title of Younga Youth Delegate.

Younga, which is organised by BridgingTheGap Ventures, aims to unite young people with decision-makers to create solutions for a more inclusive, sustainable world during the United Nations Decade of Action from 2020 to 2030.

Ms Young was selected for the role from thousands of youth applicants representing more than 100 countries.

She has received a full scholarship to attend Younga’s leadership programme and will be also be participating in the Climate Action and Sustainable Living working groups at Younga 2023 this month.

She also hopes to participate in the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties, scheduled to take place at the Expo City, Dubai, and a fund-raising effort has been launched to help her in her quest.

Ms Young said: “I really hope to represent my country well and open a door of new opportunities for the island’s youth.

“As an adaptable island nation, Bermuda is taking proactive steps to address environmental challenges.

“We find ourselves on the front lines of climate impacts, a situation shared by many other island nations trying to evade poverty while also witnessing the rapid degradation of their natural resources — the very foundation of their economies.

“Given our unique position, Bermuda must take the lead in research and embrace innovative solutions.

“Being a small island, Bermuda has a significant role to play in the global conservation arena. Islanders are born and raised with a conservation mindset, a valuable lesson we can impart.

“I look forward to working with a team of other global delegates to discuss and work towards policy recommendations.”

Ms Young’s recommendations will be added to the Younga Youth Delegate communiqué which will be shared throughout the Younga network and with change makers around the world.

This will include high-level global leaders such as senior United Nations officials, celebrity advocates and policymakers.

As a Younga youth delegate, Ms Young will have the opportunity to help shape policy discussions and advocate for the hopes, concerns and ideas of young people globally.

Delegates receive free access to expert-led leadership and advocacy training as well as virtual access to world leaders, decision-makers and celebrity advocates through interactive sessions.

Ms Young contributes her expertise as an aquaculture and fisheries consultant for Bermuda Asset Management and holds the position of programme associate for BOPP.

A spokesman for Younga said: “Facing adversity, she embarked on a global journey to pursue her passion for learning resource-efficient solutions, enhancing Bermuda’s food security, and facilitating aquaculture on island. What truly sets Noelle apart is the strength of her belief in the power of intergenerational collaboration.

“She stands as a dedicated advocate for ethics and inclusivity, recognising that the wisdom of our elders, combined with the fresh perspectives and boundless energy of youth, can ignite transformative change.

“Noelle is advocating for a robust Bermudian representation at the COP28 in Dubai this year.”

Noelle hopes to establish an Aquaculture Research Centre in Bermuda in the near future, which includes launching a non-profit organisation called Salted: Supporting Advanced Learners in Technology and Eco-Development.

The organisation will focus on nurturing Stem education for women and girls who face adversity, including those who have special educational needs or disabilities.

Ms Young said: “The foundation's mission will be to provide a secure space for these individuals to acquire new skills and fulfil their aspirations.”

Younga describes itself as “the largest global festival for impact”. During the Younga 2023 gathering, 2,030 youth delegates from more than 140 countries will collaborate with decision-makers and thought leaders to develop solutions that address global challenges directly related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

• More information on Younga is available via the social media by searching for #Younga2023 and @BridgingTheGapX and @Younga on Instagram, and @BridgingTheGapX on X and TikTok