Former Guatemalan President Vinicio Cerezo joins other senior leaders to discuss Guatemala’s future, sharing experiences and insights with the next generation of young leaders.

Guatemala’s future largely depends on its ability to include young people in spaces of moral leadership and decision-making that drive reforms toward a fair, peaceful, and democratic society. The government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society need to collaborate in creating and strengthening safe spaces where youth can express themselves freely and participate actively in planning and implementing initiatives that shape the country they want to build.

From this shared vision among various N.G.O.s, including the Global Peace Foundation Central America, the virtual space “Guatemala Joven Conversa”—which translates to Conversations with Young Guatemala—was born. More than 2,000 young leaders from over 20 regions across Guatemala participated in this three-part dialogue.

“We have much to learn from our elders—not only from everything they did well, to continue those efforts, but also from what they didn’t do well, so we can improve upon it.” – Mestizo man from an urban area in Quetzaltenango.

The event’s development areas focused on electoral law reform, youth Inclusion in the Development Council System, and participation in anti-corruption strategies. These topics, highly relevant throughout Latin America, highlight opportunities driven by a youth eager for change.

• Electoral Law and Political Party Reform aims to open adequate spaces for citizen participation, especially for young people, in response to growing interest and youth activism in defending democracy.
• Youth Inclusion in the Development Council System is presented to integrate young voices into local decision-making, bringing a fresh, community-focused perspective.
• Fighting Corruption is a priority for this generation. The National Anti-Corruption Commission promotes youth participation, with young people using technological tools to monitor and report corrupt practices. This approach, where youth act as guardians of transparency, represents progress toward accountability and trust in institutions.

This model of youth engagement, already showing results in Guatemala, could inspire other countries to follow a similar path toward more inclusive and ethical development, where peace and community progress become the central pillars of transformative, moral leadership.

“78% of participants agreed that the main barriers for young women are gender inequality and the full weight of family responsibilities. For young men, the most cited barriers are stigmas around vulnerability and societal expectations.”

Organizations like the Global Peace Foundation Central America have been fundamental in promoting these values. They work to create development opportunities in communities and support youth leadership. They aim to strengthen a respect, justice, and cooperation culture that fosters regional peace.

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By supporting active youth participation, democratic institutions are strengthened, and an environment is fostered where these innovative, values-driven leaders can guide their communities toward a prosperous and harmonious future.