EcoYouth Ventures Takes Off: PADF and Taiwan Join Forces to Empower Caribbean Youth and Champion Sustainable Tourism

Washington, D.C. – June 6th, 2025 – The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and the Government of Taiwan proudly announce the launch of EcoYouth Ventures, a new initiative that aims to empower youth and educators in Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with advanced STEM skills and a deep understanding of sustainable tourism.

This innovative two-year program marks the latest chapter in a dynamic partnership that began in 2012. Over the past 12 years, PADF and Taiwan have collaborated to build safer, more resilient, and prosperous communities across Latin America and the Caribbean. Their joint efforts have reached over 1.3 million individuals in 10 countries, equipping them with tools and training to prepare for and respond to disasters.

“Through this enduring partnership, we've witnessed the transformative impact of local action—from forming disaster response brigades to implementing early warning systems and community resilience plans,” said Katie Taylor, Executive Director of PADF. “Now, with EcoYouth Ventures, we’re investing in the region’s future—its youth—by blending technology, education, and sustainability. We are profoundly grateful to the people of Taiwan for their continued vision, generosity, and solidarity with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Key achievements of this alliance include:

In Haiti, 260,000+ people have benefited from first aid and search and rescue training, GIS hazard mapping, and infrastructure to reduce flood risks.

In Belize, flood protection infrastructure and school preparedness protocols now safeguard 15,000 residents.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, over 7,000 people are better prepared for emergencies thanks to youth disaster training and upgraded drainage systems.

In Guatemala, PADF supported women entrepreneurs with business resilience grants and disaster risk planning.

In Guatemala and Paraguay, disaster management agencies received technical upgrades that enhanced services for over a million people.

EcoYouth Ventures represents a forward-looking investment in education, technology, and environmental stewardship. It builds on PADF’s broader mission of creating a hemisphere of opportunity for all, aligning with the organization’s strategic focus on climate resilience, gender equality, and sustainable livelihoods.

A cornerstone of the PADF-Taiwan relationship is the Taiwan-PADF Diplomatic Fellowship Program, through which young diplomats from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs contribute to development initiatives while gaining valuable experience in the region. This people-to-people exchange strengthens cultural understanding and fosters long-term collaboration.

Today’s date — 6/6 — feels like a sign of good luck for this program to achieve great results in the three Saints with youth in STEM. A strong STEM base is key to development across the Americas, from Alaska, where I was just yesterday, to the Three Saints. With the rise of AI, there’s huge demand for STEM careers. I’m elated to work with PADF to launch this program and empower youth in these countries.

Rep. Alexander Yui. Representative Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States.

As we look ahead, PADF and Taiwan remain steadfast in their shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and empowering the next generation. With EcoYouth Ventures, they are not only supporting youth-led innovation but also shaping a more resilient and inclusive future for the Caribbean.

We look forward to consolidating the gains derived from this program, we thank the people of Taiwan, our partners at PADF, and my fellow representatives from the Three Saints”

Lou-Anne Gaylene Gilchrist, Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States and Ambassador to the United States from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The federation of St. kitts and Nevis is thankful for today’s formal announcement of the Eco-Youth Ventures initiative to the People of Taiwan and our partners from the Pan American Development Foundation. By focusing on sustainable tourism the program focuses on our twin pillars of social and economic growth. We are thankful for this contribution that will nurture a generation of leaders that will carry on our legacy of sustainability

Shanelle Simmonds, Counsellor and Alternate Representative, Embassy of Saint Kitts and Navis to the United States.