Miss Malia Choucoutou will serve as Chair of the Overseas Territories Youth Summit on February 27, 2025. Photo: BVI London Office

Miss Adrianne Thomas will represent the Virgin Islands at the UK Youth Parliament Sitting on February 28, 2025. Photo: BVI London Office

The BVI London Office will host the 2025 Overseas Territories Youth Summit at BVI House in London on February 27, 2025. 

VI Youth to serve as Chair at Youth Summit

The VI currently holds the presidency of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA). 

The Overseas Territories Youth Summit is organised by the UKOTA. It promises to be a “ dynamic platform for young voices from across the UK's Overseas Territories, all aimed at driving change and nurturing inclusivity”, a press release from the London Office on Friday, February 14, 2025, said. 

VI youth representative Miss Malia Choucoutou will serve as Chair, guiding participants in discussions on issues such as neurodiversity and disability in education, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and migration.

UK Representative to the Government of the VI and Chair of the UKOTA, Tracy Bradshaw, said, “We are pleased that the BVI has been selected to host and chair this important summit…We re delighted to provide a vibrant platform for youth from across the territories to come together, exchange ideas, and work towards a more inclusive future."

UK Youth Parliament 

Meanwhile, the UK Youth Parliament Sitting will take place on February 28, 2025. 

This event follows the inspiring participation of over 2,900 young people aged 11-18 from across the UK Overseas Territories in the inaugural "Make Your Mark" ballot during UK Parliament Week in December 2024. 

The winning theme from the ballot, “Education and Learning: school/college and access to university and apprenticeships,” received 661 votes, or 22% of the total, and will be highlighted during a Special Segment at the Youth Parliament Sitting. 

Representatives from each territory, including Miss Adrianne Thomas from the VI, will speak at the Despatch Box. 

She will represent the voices of the youths as she advocates for the issues that matter to them, like education and access to opportunities.