HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG — The Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency Ajamu G. Baly, is pleased to announce that the Governor’s Symposium 2026, originally scheduled for September 25, 2026, will now take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Symposium will be held under the theme “Youth Development: Building Our Future, Building Our Youth”, and will cover a range of interconnected topics, including identity and belonging, education and future readiness, mental health and emotional well-being, technology and social media, vocational development, sports, arts, youth safety, civic participation, and opportunities for young people to contribute to Sint Maarten.
In the lead-up to the Governor’s Symposium, the Organizing Committee has undertaken several activities, including outreach programs in the communities and districts, to ensure that a cross section of youth was heard and that the voices and perspectives of both the young and the experienced are meaningfully represented throughout the Symposium. The “My Image My World” poetry and spoken word initiative, which gives young people the opportunity to reflect on who they are, how they see themselves, and how they relate to others, has been launched, with a submission deadline of November 20, 2026.
Additionally, a podcast series titled “Our Youth: How Are We Developing Them, and How Are They Developing” will launch on November 10, 2026. The three-episode series, running in the lead-up to the Symposium on December 8, will give the community the opportunity to learn more about youth development and to hear from youth, youth workers, and influencers on social media, friendships, belonging, and mental well-being, as well as on participation and opportunities on Sint Maarten.
This year’s Symposium will focus on the development and well-being of Sint Maarten’s youth by creating an environment in which young people can thrive, develop their potential, and actively contribute to the country’s future. It will feature both local and international speakers.
His Excellency Governor Baly extends his appreciation to all partners, stakeholders, speakers, and members of the public for their patience, understanding, and continued support following the postponement of the event.
Due to the limited space, the Governor’s Symposium is by invitation only. The Governor is also inviting persons who are interested in attending the symposium to submit their personal requests via email kabinet@kabgsxm.com or the Governor’s Facebook page. The deadline for submitting your personal information is Monday November 20, 2026. Based on the information submitted, 30 persons will be selected and invited. However, the public can watch the Symposium via a livestream. The livestream will be available to the public from 08:30AM, on Tuesday December 8, 2026, and can be accessed via the Governor’s Facebook page.
Governor Baly looks forward to welcoming attendees to the 2026 Governor’s Symposium and to fostering meaningful discussions on the shared responsibility of building a stronger future for Sint Maarten’s youth.
Further details on the program and participation will be announced as preparations continue.
