The OAS Promotes Youth Development For Leadership And Responsible Citizenship In the Americas

Press Release

The OAS Promotes Youth Development For Leadership And Responsible Citizenship In the Americas

The Organization of American States (OAS), through the Department of Human Development, Education and Employment (DHDEE) of the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI), held the Inter-American Exchange Seminar on Youth Development and Mentorship for Leadership and Responsible Citizenship on February 4-5, 2026, in Belize City, Belize.

Held within the framework of the Hemispheric Program Democratic Principles Strengthened through Education and Policy Dialogue (DEMEP). Program, the seminar brought together officials from 18 Ministries of Education across the Americas. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue and exchanged experiences, innovative approaches, strategies, methodologies, and tools aimed at strengthening youth development and mentorship initiatives focused on leadership and responsible citizenship.

The Minister of State for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology of Belize, Ramon Cervantes, emphasized the importance of nurturing meaningful spaces for young people to lead and contribute to the transformation of their communities, stating: "But youth leadership is not built only in classrooms. It is built through voice, participation, and civic engagement… To paraphrase the Father of our Nation, George Price, you are called to build nations - to ensure that your countries are prosperous and free, and that your citizens are guided by pride, dignity, and virtue."

The central role of education in fostering responsible citizenship was highlighted by the Director of DHDEE, Jesús Giacoman Zapata, who noted: "We live in complex times, marked by profound social, political, and technological changes. In this context, education remains the fundamental pillar for promoting active, informed, and committed citizenship. As stated in Article 16 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, education is key to strengthening democracy, developing human potential, and promoting the common good."

In addition, Cecilia Martins, Education Specialist at OAS, shared insights from the Regional Youth Forum held in 2025 and presented an overview of youth-focused initiatives implemented by member states, highlighting their linkages with DEMEP. Her presentation contributed a practical and analytical perspective that enriched the technical discussions and offered a concrete framework for action.

Throughout the two-day exchange, participants reflected on national experiences related to youth leadership and mentorship initiatives, identified emerging regional trends, and discussed key components for the development of a regional youth development and mentorship framework adaptable to national contexts.

Through this initiative, the OAS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democracy in the hemisphere by supporting education policies and programs that empower young people to actively participate in their communities and democratic institutions.

This activity was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Permanent Mission of the United States to the OAS.

Reference: E-017/26