Casuarina Consulting Submits Youth-Led Think Tank Proposal to UNDP Youth4Climate Call

Bridgetown, Barbados – Casuarina Consulting, in association with The Planet X Business Collective, has submitted a proposal to the United Nations Development Programme's Youth4Climate initiative. The proposal seeks funding to establish a permanent, youth‑led policy and strategy think tank for Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

The proposed solution addresses a critical gap in the region's climate architecture: the absence of an independent institution that translates national climate commitments into actionable business guidance, monitors public and private sector accountability, and actively develops the next generation of climate strategists.

If selected, the think tank would deliver three core functions over a 12‑month pilot period. First, it would produce sector‑specific policy briefs for tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy – converting NDC targets into clear investment and operational guidance for businesses. Second, it would publish a quarterly public watchdog scorecard tracking government and corporate progress on climate commitments. Third, it would train 20 young professionals aged 25–35 through a "Strategy for Resilience" bootcamp, equipping them to lead climate strategy within their organisations.

The proposal requests USD 30,000 in catalytic funding. The budget covers legal registration, governance setup, research and writing, a high‑level Youth Policy Forum, and the bootcamp delivery. No equipment purchases or international travel are included. The model is designed to become financially self‑sustaining within 24 months through membership fees, sponsored research, paid training, and consulting services.

No formal partners are yet attached to the project. However, the proposal draws on Casuarina Consulting's existing track record, including the Caribbean Tourism Resilience Initiative (CTRI), which was shortlisted for the UN Global Call. The Planet X Business Collective, a newly launched platform for Caribbean thought leaders, will serve as an initial channel for outreach and content dissemination.

The Youth4Climate call is administered by UNDP and supports youth‑led climate solutions. Successful applicants are expected to be announced later this year.