As a young woman from Barranquilla, writing about the 2025 National Youth Assembly (ANJ) is not just an exercise in remembrance, but an act of conviction. From December 19 to 21, Barranquilla became the gathering place for young people from 32 departments and 12 districts across the country, who arrived with the firm intention of engaging in dialogue, building, and defending their rights. It was no coincidence that Colombia chose us: it was the result of serious, consistent, and deeply committed work toward youth participation.
Nothing is too big for us young people: we are energy, conviction, and commitment. Together, we can work for dignified conditions, defend our rights, and build, step by step, a fairer country for all young people.
It’s incredible—young people want to be heard. The registration of 8,483 young people clearly demonstrated this; of them, more than 2,000 were selected and actively participated in the ANJ. This data confirms that Colombian youth are not indifferent and that they demand real spaces for advocacy.
The Assembly was much more than just an event. Through 48 working groups, we debated fundamental issues such as education, decent employment, democracy, youth in rural areas, social justice, diversity, health, innovation, peace, and the reform of the Youth Citizenship Statute. With the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the discussions centered on our experiences and visions, reaffirming that public policy on youth must be built from the ground up and in collaboration with young people in action.
To be honest, there are aspects of the Assembly’s internal organization that need improvement. Logistical challenges, timing, and certain coordination processes provided important lessons. Even so, the fact that a gathering of this magnitude was achieved speaks volumes about the management, determination, and commitment with which youth participation in Colombia is being strengthened. It wasn’t perfect, but it was necessary, courageous, and deeply meaningful.
One of the most important outcomes will be the Declaration of Youth Voices, a document that compiles collectively developed conclusions, commitments, and priorities. This declaration can become a key advocacy tool, provided that the authorities responsible for follow-up and oversight commit to translating these voices into real improvements in youth policies. Let’s hope it doesn’t remain merely on paper.

At this point, it is essential to make a call to the National Government: these spaces must continue to be supported and strengthened. Youth participation cannot be merely symbolic. Efforts must continue to reach those young people who, because of precarious, unjust, or exclusionary conditions, are unable to participate in these gatherings as they should. This remains an outstanding responsibility, one that must be addressed with greater focus, resources, and political will.
And from a place of deep conviction, I want to say this firmly: I truly believe that if we pursue our goals free from monopolized ideologies and with the sole purpose of working toward the collective good, the results can be viable and sustainable over time. Building ourselves as a country requires listening, compromising, and working together. I believe in the youth of Barranquilla, and I believe in the youth of Colombia, in their ability to transform, to engage in dialogue, and to lead responsibly.
It is impossible not to highlight the significance of having this gathering take place in my city, in La Arenosa. For that reason, I acknowledge Mayor Alejandro Char for enabling Barranquilla to host such an important space for youth democracy, in a city that is warm, diverse, and full of life.
I also want to highlight the leadership of Juan Bernardo López Rodríguez, Barranquilla’s National Youth Council representative, as well as the commitment of his team of young people, “Activistas Entre Todos.” Their discipline, passion, and vision helped make this process possible. I also recognize all the young representatives from municipalities across the country who courageously made the journey to defend and bring visibility to the needs of their communities, making this gathering possible. Their example challenges us to continue building together, to strengthen youth participation, and to understand that real change does not come from division, but from dialogue and collective work. When we take the time to recognize the realities of each territory and accept the challenge of finding concrete solutions that can help reduce these gaps, we stop speaking in abstractions and begin taking action. These are not simply words. They reflect the conviction that young people must have both a voice and a vote in decisions that directly affect our democratic participation and the country’s development.
Today, more than ever, I believe these spaces are essential for connecting with one another, getting to know each other, and recognizing ourselves in our differences. Speaking in different accents, learning about diverse cultures, and understanding such varied challenges allows us to see that, ironically, young people understand one another far more than we might imagine. We do not need a translator: there is something truly powerful about sharing experiences and learning from one another. Our voices do matter. No one can silence an organized generation of young people committed to justice, democracy, and collective action. The ANJ reminded us that Colombia’s youth are awake, in motion, and ready to build, step by step, the country we dream of.