International Youth Day - Colombia

Every August 12, Colombia joins the global celebration of International Youth Day , a day dedicated to recognizing the fundamental role that young people play in society and raising awareness about the challenges they face.

The Youth Context in Colombia

Youth in Colombia constitutes a significant part of the population, representing a valuable asset for the development of the country. According to data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics ( DANE ), approximately 25% of the Colombian population is in the age range between 15 and 29 years. This demographic demonstrates the importance of effectively addressing the issues that affect youth and providing them with the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Challenges and Obstacles

Although Colombian youth are a vital force for the country, they face a number of challenges that must be addressed to ensure a prosperous and equitable future. One of the most pressing challenges is access to quality education. Despite advances in recent years, disparities in access to education still exist between different regions and socioeconomic groups. Ensuring that all young people have access to inclusive and quality education is essential to building a more equal society.

Youth unemployment is another major challenge in Colombia. Despite efforts to promote youth employability, the unemployment rate in this group remains high. The lack of job opportunities can lead to hopelessness and a lack of prospects for the future. It is crucial to implement policies and programs that promote the labor insertion of young people and provide them with the necessary tools to embark on their professional path.

Opportunities and Empowerment

Despite the challenges, Colombian youth also have a number of opportunities and resources at their disposal. In recent years, there has been a growth in the participation of young people in the political and social life of the country. Many young people are involved in movements and organizations that advocate for issues such as equality, the environment, and human rights. This active participation is a clear indication of the desire of young people to contribute positively to their society.

In addition, technological progress has created new possibilities for training, innovation and entrepreneurship. Colombian youth are taking advantage of digital tools to create creative projects, develop technological solutions and access global opportunities. Access to technology can level the playing field and allow young people to transform their ideas into tangible realities.

Initiatives and Policies for Youth

The Colombian government has implemented various initiatives and policies aimed at empowering and supporting youth. The "Jóvenes en Acción" Program, for example, seeks to provide economic support to young people in vulnerable situations, encouraging them to continue with their education and training. In addition, technical and technological training programs have been established to improve the employability of young people.

At the local level, many non-governmental organizations and community groups are also actively working to empower young people and provide them with opportunities. Leadership workshops, business training and cultural projects are just some of the ways in which the capacity of young people to contribute to the sustainable development of their communities is being strengthened.

The active participation of young people in decision-making is essential to ensure a sustainable and equitable future. When given the opportunity to express their views and contribute their ideas, young people can play a critical role in creating policies and programs that address their specific needs.

Youth participation is also crucial to building a more inclusive and diverse society. Colombian youth are diverse in terms of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Including all these voices in decision-making processes ensures that policies are representative and effective for all young people.