“To change reality, we must promote youth initiatives.”

Within the framework of the V International Congress of Researchers on Youth, organized by the Center for Youth Studies and the Union of Young Communists of Cuba from September 23 to 27 in Varadero, Cuba, Minawee Lopez, coordinator of the National Youth Council of Guatemala, spoke with CLACSO.tv.

The Xinka community member spoke about the difficulties young people face in her country: “The centralization of opportunities in urban centers, in this case Guatemala City, prevents other young people from accessing them. Education, health, and other areas limit their development. Currently, the Council is committed to bringing these opportunities to rural communities. Because it is in these communities where young people have not had the opportunity to be heard, to seek opportunities for the future. Because (…) youth are the present, but our talent is leaving for other countries because we lack opportunities within our own country.”

Regarding migration in Guatemala, he emphasized: “Remittances represent 20% of GDP. That's a considerable figure. Young people have no other option but to migrate; that's their reality. I think back to when I was a student, how many people have gone abroad? A great many. And of my colleagues, my classmates, very few of them are still in Guatemala. And this isn't just something you hear in my region; you hear it in neighboring areas and throughout the entire country. For young people, the only way they find, the easiest, most immediate way, is to migrate.”

“I believe the only way to change these realities is to amplify youth initiatives and listen to their voices. Because there is talent. There are artists doing community work, demonstrating that it is possible to change our environment through political, social, and cultural participation. Why not coordinate more, seek greater joint efforts? I'm talking about strategic alliances. The private sector, civil society, organizations, international cooperation, and, of course, public institutions—all are necessary to guide collective efforts toward a meaningful purpose for young people,” he added.

Interviewed by Gustavo Lema.