CARICOM Energy Month (CEM) will be launched on Friday in Brades, Montserrat, with a focus on empowering youths for a sustainable energy future.

The launch includes a symposium, featuring a panel discussion on geothermal energy, energy conservation measures and electric vehicles, the CARICOM Secretariat said in a release. The occasion which is observed in November each year, serves to increase awareness of energy matters in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and celebrate the strides the Community has made to transition to a clean energy pathway. The month of activities evolved from CARICOM Energy Week (CEW) which was established in 2011. Since its inauguration in 2016, CEM has become the seminal event on the calendar of energy stakeholders including academia, policy-makers, the private sector, youth, and development partners.

The ultimate goal is to achieve long-term, lasting behavioural changes. A wide cross-section of society and stakeholders will be engaged to ensure that individuals and organisations understand the impact of, and take action to respond to critical energy issues.

The regional theme is “Clean Energy, Good Governance & Regulations: Generating Growth and Resilience”. A major focus of CEM 2018 is building awareness on the climate and disaster resilience within the energy sector. Against the backdrop of the hurricanes that hit the Caribbean last year, causing extensive damage to electric grids and disrupting networks and other critical infrastructure, the observances seek to increase the understanding of energy issues of the region, and the many solutions to achieve a transformation in the sustainable energy sector.

This year, the activities include art and essay competitions for youths, the hunt for the second CARICOM Energy Personality and a Regional Energy Kilo Walk. The sixth edition of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEF) will also be held in Belize during the month-long observance. In addition to the regional programme, national activities will be held in member states.