The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has concluded a successful national school outreach campaign, designed to educate and inspire the next generation on the power and relevance of diplomacy. Over the course of two weeks, officials visited schools across Antigua and Barbuda to speak directly with students about the vital role of regional cooperation and the influence of international institutions such as the Organization of American States (OAS).
The campaign officially began at the Christian Union Preschool and Junior Academy and came to a close on Wednesday, June 19. The Ministry’s team met with students from a wide range of academic institutions including Antigua Girls’ High School, Clare Hall Secondary, Adele School for Special Needs, Liberta Primary, All Saints Secondary, Antigua Grammar School and Five Islands Primary.
Although some visits had to be rescheduled due to ongoing examinations, the outreach still made a significant impact, fostering engagement and discussion among students of all ages.
The Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the effort and underscored its importance. “This initiative is about building awareness,” he explained.
“Too often, young people see international diplomacy as something distant or unrelated to their daily lives. We want them to understand that the decisions made on the regional and international stage directly affect their future, from education and trade to climate policy and development.”
Adding even more excitement to the initiative, Minister Greene announced that one exceptional student from the tour will be selected to represent their school at the 55th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly. That students will attend the event as a special guest of the Minister himself, a rare opportunity for a young persons to witness diplomacy in action.
“This is more than just a field trip,” Minister Greene said. “It’s an investment in the next generation of leaders. It’s about showing our students that their voices matter, and that they can help shape not just our nation, but the entire region.”
The 55th OAS General Assembly, which brings together representatives from 34 member states across the Americas, focuses on collaboration around issues such as democracy, human rights, security and development. According to the Ministry, part of the school campaign involved demystifying the workings of the OAS, breaking down its purpose in a way that students could easily understand and relate to.
Briana Anthony, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, helped drive the message home during each school stop. “We are on a mission,” she told students.
“We’re here to explain how organizations like the OAS work, why the General Assembly matters and how young people and yes, even those still in school can influence real change in their communities and beyond.”
Accompanying the Minister on the tour were key members of the Ministry’s leadership team, including Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Permanent Secretary; Everton Barnes, Communications Officer; Ann-Marie Layne, Director General; Jmoul Francis, Legal Officer; and Darilyn Burton, Barbuda Liaison Officer. Each team member brought a unique perspective to the discussions, from the legal frameworks behind international agreements to the communication strategies that drive public diplomacy.
The presentations were interactive and engaging, allowing students to ask questions and share their views on global issues. In many cases, the sessions sparked deep conversations about leadership, regional identity, and the kind of future young people hope to create.
For the Ministry, the school tour is just one part of a broader strategy to integrate youth into national and regional discourse. As the global landscape evolves, officials say it’s critical that students are equipped not just with academic knowledge, but also with a sense of civic responsibility and international awareness.
“Diplomacy is no longer the sole domain of politicians and ambassadors,” Minister Greene said. “In today’s interconnected world, young people are diplomats too. On social media, in their classrooms and in how they represent Antigua and Barbuda abroad. We want them to be informed, confident and ready to lead.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes to continue the outreach in the new school year, potentially expanding the program to include workshops and student-led forums.
As one Liberta Primary student summed up after the presentation: “I didn’t know what the OAS was before today, but now I want to learn more. Maybe one day I can go too.”
With a growing number of young people inspired to think globally, it’s clear the campaign has planted seeds of diplomacy that may shape the Caribbean’s future for decades to come.
