The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Central America, in alliance with the Esquipulas Foundation, envisions a future where young people lead their communities toward peace, social justice, and inclusion. This is the path they embarked on with the 3rd Central American Emerging Leaders Summit (ECLE) 2024, an event that brought together 40 young leaders from Central America, the Dominican Republic, and Paraguay. Through their experiences and leadership, these participants became agents of change. The event was held in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, resonating widely and reaching over 50,000 people across Latin American digital platforms.
Violence, Poverty and Migration: The Main Challenges in Central America
Central America faces significant challenges in terms of peace and stability. Structural issues like violence, poverty, and youth migration continue to be major obstacles to social cohesion. Recent statistics reveal that thousands of young people in countries like Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala still view migration to the U.S. as their only way out of economic hardship. Moreover, violence and insecurity remain constant sources of concern.
In response to this scenario, ECLE 2024 addressed the importance of equipping young people with the tools to drive change from within their communities. The aim was to prevent the exodus of young talent and promote local solutions that contribute to regional peace.
A Space for Youth Leadership and Peace
The Central American Emerging Leaders Summit was more than just a training event; it became a platform for young leaders from diverse sectors, including community activism, politics, and social entrepreneurship. Over five days, participants discussed the key challenges affecting their communities and worked on solutions geared toward sustainable development and inclusion.
One of the most prominent topics was about the challenges facing indigenous youth, who represent a vital yet often marginalized sector of society. In countries like Guatemala, indigenous youth face linguistic and economic barriers that limit their access to quality education and dignified employment. ECLE 2024 provided a space for these youth to connect with other leaders and gain the skills needed to transform their communities. Likewise, the event highlighted the fundamental role of young women in building peace. Through mentorships and networking activities, female leadership was encouraged as a central axis for achieving inclusive and sustainable peace in the region.
Peace and Development: The Role of Esquipulas Foundation and Global Peace Foundation
The Esquipulas Foundation and GPF Central America have been key players in promoting peace and development in the region. Both organizations collaborated closely in ECLE to strengthen a network of young leaders committed to peace, democracy, and regional integration.
Current President of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo taking a selfie with Former President of Guatemala, Vinicio Cerezo members of CAF Bank and KAS Foundation and some of the young leaders attending ECLE.
The Esquipulas Foundation, founded by former Guatemalan president Vinicio Cerezo, has been a pillar in promoting democracy and peace in Central America. Through ECLE, they aim to empower youth to actively participate in the decision-making processes that affect the region. As Cerezo stated, “Peace cannot be built without the involvement of young people, who represent the future of Central America.”
Meanwhile, the Global Peace Foundation Central America has worked hand-in-hand with Esquipulas to foster a culture of peace and regional cooperation. Their approach focuses on developing value-driven leaders committed to the well-being of their communities and resolving conflicts through a human rights and social justice lens.
ECLE 2024 and the International Day of Peace
ECLE 2024 embodied this spirit by providing young people with a space to develop long-term solutions for the issues facing the region. As emphasized during the event, peace in Central America goes beyond the absence of armed conflict; it requires building inclusive, just, and equitable societies where all communities can flourish. This year, aligning with the International Day of Peace theme, Cultivating a Culture of Peace, ECLE underscored the importance of empowering youth to take the lead. As participants return to their communities, they are tasked with applying what they have learned, fostering dialogue, promoting cooperation, and becoming active agents of peace across the region.
Read more stories about the International Day of Peace.
