Leaders gather for a conference “Guatemala and Central America on the Path to a Sustainable Future.”
Sustainability, understood as the capacity to meet present needs without compromising resources for future generations, depends on a peaceful environment that fosters cooperation, dialogue, and stability within communities. The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Central America champions this essential link, collaborating with various organizations to strengthen peace and promote sustainable development in the region.
On this occasion, GPF Central America, in partnership with Esquipulas Foundation, the Latin American and Caribbean Presidential Mission, CAF –Development Bank of Latin America, and other regional organizations, held the conference “Guatemala and Central America on the Path to a Sustainable Future.” This event explored tangible solutions to Central America’s challenges in pursuing a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future.
Central America, though geographically small, represents the fourth largest market in Latin America, with a population of over 60 million. Over 60% of this population comprises young people under 30, who play a crucial role in peacebuilding. Despite challenges such as unemployment, forced migration, and limited access to education and job opportunities, these youth-led social change initiatives promote a culture of peace, acting as agents of transformation in their communities to reduce violence and strengthen social cohesion. As Olinda Salguero, GPF Central America’s regional representative, noted, “Integration is not merely a romantic dream; it is a concrete instrument for our development. We are 60 million people, dreams, and opportunities—leaders for development and Integration.”
Olinda Salguero speaks at the conference “Guatemala and Central America on the Path to a Sustainable Future.”
A key theme of the forum was the need for the private sector and civil society organizations to join efforts toward sustainability, recognizing that this is not solely the responsibility of governments but a multi-sector commitment. Investment in sustainable projects benefits the environment and economy, generating growth and employment and strengthening social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, as evidenced by successful examples of companies and organizations collaborating on innovative development projects across the region.
Regional Integration as a Tool for Sustainability
In an increasingly interconnected world, global challenges require collective solutions, and collaboration among regional countries is essential to address issues such as climate change and social inequity. Xavier Prieto, CAF’s Country Programs Director, emphasized the importance of cooperation: “Central America cannot face these challenges alone. We need greater collaboration among the region’s countries and with our international partners. Only through Integration can we build a sustainable future for all.”
Xavier Prieto, CAF’s Country Programs Director
The program included panels on corporate social responsibility, green financing, public policies for peace and sustainable development, and the role of youth in building a more equitable future. Additionally, the forum highlighted the importance of creating an active dialogue and collaborative space to strengthen peace, promoting the building of bridges across sectors and joint efforts to seize emerging opportunities for the benefit of regional cohesion and harmony.
Attendees of the conference.
