Barbados’ Ashley Lashley, a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change and Executive Director of the Ashley Lashley Foundation, represented Barbados at the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026, held from 24–26 June in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, where she inspired the next generation of changemakers while highlighting the critical role of youth leadership, Indigenous knowledge, and wellbeing in advancing global climate action.
Set within one of the world’s most ecologically significant rainforest regions, the Rainforest Youth Summit brought together hundreds of young people, Indigenous leaders, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives from around the world to explore practical solutions for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Throughout the three-day summit, Lashley played several key roles, sharing Barbados’ experiences while fostering meaningful dialogue across cultures and continents.
The Barbadian youth leader delivered a highly interactive masterclass titled “How to Start Your Own NGO,” equipping students and emerging changemakers from across Asia with practical tools to transform community ideas into impactful organizations. Drawing on her own experience establishing the Ashley Lashley Foundation, she shared lessons on purpose-driven leadership, governance, fundraising, partnerships, volunteer management, and creating sustainable community impact.
“Young people don’t need permission to begin creating change. Every impactful movement starts with one person choosing to act. The most important step isn’t having every answer it’s having the courage to start, to learn, and to build alongside your community. Leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect opportunity it’s about creating one,” Lashley told participants.
During the summit, Lashley also met with The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, Performing Arts, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development. Their discussions explored youth empowerment, environmental leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to strengthen international collaboration in sustainable development.
One of the summit’s headline sessions saw Lashley take to the main stage alongside internationally recognised climate activist Tori Tsui and youth leader Maryam Evetovics for a candid discussion entitled “Climate, Burnout, and Staying in the Work,” moderated by Melissa Tan.
The conversation explored one of the defining challenges facing today’s climate movement the emotional and mental toll experienced by young activists, organisers, and community leaders. Moving beyond traditional notions of resilience, the panel examined burnout, eco-anxiety, grief, community care, healthy boundaries, and how climate movements can better support the people driving change. Speaking during the panel, Lashley challenged the culture of constant sacrifice that often exists within advocacy spaces.
“We’ve normalised exhaustion as a badge of honour in climate work, but burnout should never become the price of making a difference. If we want our movements to last, we must build cultures that value rest, care, and collective support just as much as ambition. The sustainability of our planet depends on the sustainability of the people fighting for it.”
Reflecting on her experience at the summit, Lashley said the gathering reinforced the importance of learning across cultures and recognising the wealth of knowledge that already exists within communities.
“Standing in one of the world’s most important rainforest regions was a powerful reminder that protecting our planet requires all of us. Whether you come from a Small Island Developing State like Barbados or a rainforest community in Asia, our futures are deeply connected. The solutions we need will come from listening, learning, and working together across cultures, generations, and lived experiences.”
Hosted in the heart of Sarawak, the Rainforest Youth Summit placed a strong emphasis on Indigenous leadership and traditional ecological knowledge, providing participants with opportunities to engage directly with Indigenous communities whose stewardship has protected rainforest ecosystems for generations.
Lashley said one of the summit’s greatest takeaways was witnessing the leadership of Indigenous youth firsthand.
“The future of climate action cannot be built without Indigenous youth. They are not simply beneficiaries of conservation efforts they are guardians of culture, biodiversity, and generations of knowledge that the world urgently needs. As someone from a Small Island Developing State, I found deep inspiration in their leadership and resilience. The more we listen to Indigenous voices and empower Indigenous youth, the stronger, more inclusive, and more just our climate solutions will become.”
The Rainforest Youth Summit continues to provide a globally recognised platform where young leaders can exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and develop practical solutions rooted in community values, Indigenous wisdom, and international collaboration. The summit encourages participants to understand their role in shaping a future that protects biodiversity, strengthens climate resilience, and preserves cultural heritage for generations to come.
Lashley’s participation further reflects Barbados’ growing influence in international climate diplomacy and youth leadership. As a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, she continues to advocate for stronger youth participation in global decision-making while amplifying the perspectives of Small Island Developing States on climate resilience, environmental justice, sustainable development, and intergenerational equity.
Through mentoring aspiring social entrepreneurs, engaging government leaders, and contributing to global conversations on climate leadership and wellbeing, Lashley reaffirmed Barbados’ commitment to ensuring young people remain at the forefront of building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.