National Public Library representative and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Coordinator for the Americas, Peetron Thomas, highlighted the importance of ocean conservation, literacy and storytelling during a special presentation at Government House on Monday, as part of activities surrounding the visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen.
Thomas, who serves as SDG Coordinator for the Americas with Next Generation Global Connect (NGGC), represented the National Public Library of Antigua and Barbuda, Motion Pictures Antigua and NGGC during the educational engagement.
The interactive presentation introduced young participants to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on SDG 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas and marine resources.
Using the Commonwealth-themed book A Message in a Bottle, Thomas incorporated storytelling, environmental awareness and a specially developed activity booklet to educate and engage members of the Brownie Guides and students of Motion Pictures Antigua.
The presentation also formed part of efforts to promote literacy and environmental responsibility as Antigua and Barbuda celebrates its 45th anniversary of Independence and hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026.
A highlight of the occasion was a visit from Her Majesty the Queen, who joined the young participants during the presentation while His Majesty the King continued visiting other displays at Government House.
Thomas described the experience as a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate how storytelling and creative educational activities can encourage young people to become more involved in sustainable development.
Beyond the presentation, Thomas is seeking to advance a regional initiative aimed at establishing SDG Youth Groups throughout the Americas.
The proposed programme would connect young people through public libraries across the region, creating opportunities for virtual forums, educational discussions, collaborative projects and interactive activities centred on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Thomas hopes to formally present the proposal through Next Generation Global Connect as part of his efforts to strengthen youth participation and regional collaboration.
Meanwhile, Next Generation Global Connect congratulated Thomas on the initiative, praising his representation of the organization and his efforts to bring awareness of the SDGs to such a significant platform.
The organization also announced plans to highlight the presentation on its official social media page.
The initiative reflects Thomas’s continued commitment to literacy, youth development, creative education and environmental awareness, while demonstrating the important role libraries can play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals locally and internationally.
Source: Antigua News Room SDG Coordinator for the Americas, Peetron Thomas, Highlights Ocean Conservation and Storytelling During Royal Visit.