Youth Leading the Way in Governance and Social Inclusion
In a collective effort to transform the social and political reality of Montería, Santander de Quilichao, and Cali, young leaders are emerging as key players in building a more just and inclusive society. From active participation in Youth Councils to influencing development policies, these young people are showing that they bring not only challenges to the table but also innovative and concrete solutions.
As part of the NextGenC workshop, Connect and Build!, Alexander, Kevin, Miguel, and Carlos shared with the project team how they connect with other youth leaders across their regions and country through technology. They also explained how they leverage platforms like X and WhatsApp to influence and mobilize actions in their territories. An example of this effort takes place in Montería through the community radio station ALUATA, a youth-led platform that has become an essential ally in producing podcasts, videos, and radio programs advocating for social justice, inclusion, and citizen participation. ALUATA uses X not only to voice discontent but also to promote engagement in legal and public administration processes.
On the other hand, Kevin emphasizes that governance is a responsibility shared by the entire population. In his efforts to impact social justice in Santander de Quilichao, he has organized meetings with council members to include youth strategies in the development plan. Kevin also highlights the role of national gatherings held in Cali as essential spaces to promote diversity and inclusion, reflecting youth's commitment to a more equitable and participatory governance.
Meanwhile, Miguel has led cleanup campaigns in Pance, though he acknowledges that youth participation in the area is still limited. However, he highlights the creation of a youth mandate, which has enabled the inclusion of youth proposals in Cali's development plan, especially in areas like mobility and health. Although there was initially no clear focus on health issues, vital topics such as sexual health and development are now being addressed.
These initiatives show how young people in these three cities are taking an active and decisive role in shaping their future. Through engagement in community media, the implementation of innovative technologies, and the advocacy for inclusive policies, they are forging a path toward a more just and participatory society. NextGenC emerges as a platform for more young people to find inspiration and join these efforts, demonstrating that change is possible when youth unite and act with purpose and determination.