Youth from Belize and Guatemala Unveil OAS-Promoted Community Mural for Peace and the Environment

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Youth from Belize and Guatemala Unveil OAS-Promoted Community Mural for Peace and the Environment

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert R. Ramdin, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize, Francis Fonseca, and Guatemala, Carlos Ramiro Martínez Alvarado, participated in the unveiling of a community mural in the Adjacency Zone between the two countries, created by young people from the Zone to promote a culture of peace and the environmental protection of the Mopan River.

The work is the result of the artistic project developed within the framework of the binational youth communication program "La Zona / The Zone" and its innovation laboratory, "La Zona Lab," implemented by the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone. The initiative brought together 17 young participants and encompassed the assessment of local problems, the collaborative design, and the painting of the mural, integrating cultural and natural elements representative of the communities of Benque Viejo and Arenal.

During the presentation of the mural, OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin highlighted how art, youth, and the presence of the OAS on the ground transform coexistence and build a lasting culture of peace between both peoples: "Community development is fundamental. If it is only about negotiations and dialogue, it is not enough; people want to see this result in an improvement in their lives. Involving young people in a peace process is critical. Ownership is needed at that level," added the Secretary General. He also added that "this is the best way to guarantee peace and collaboration between both sides. The value lies in the sustainability of this process for the consolidation of peace."

Reference: FNE-145026