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At Ayuda en Acción, we are taking a strategic step to boost youth employment in Latin America. We have signed a partnership agreement with the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen regional cooperation in two critical areas, reducing inequalities: inclusive, quality education and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities.
This agreement, framed within the OAS's Educational Portal of the Americas and submitted to the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), addresses an immediate need. The region faces a double gap: educational and digital inequalities that have a greater impact on vulnerable communities, and a complex transition for young people into decent employment.
Today, the average youth unemployment rate in Latin America stands at 17%, almost 11 points above that of the adult population. In addition, more than half of employed youth work in informal conditions, according to our latest joint report with ECLAC. This is not just a statistic: it is a structural warning.
A partnership to bridge gaps and unlock real opportunities
With this agreement, we will work alongside the OAS to promote public policies, programs, and partnerships that facilitate the transition from education to work, prioritizing young people and groups at risk of exclusion. Our goal is clear: to turn regional cooperation into measurable results in terms of well-being, equity, and employability.
We believe that inequality is best combated with real opportunities: education that includes training connected to the labor market and partnerships that scale impact at the regional level. This partnership allows us to expand our reach, add strategic actors, and strengthen our impact in the member countries of the OAS.
The agreement also covers institutional relations with ministries of education and labor, as well as exploring collaborations with other international organizations in the region. In addition, we will strengthen the dissemination of joint projects, research, and activities that contribute to the debate on inclusive development.
Youth and the transition from education to employment: a priority focus
The transition from education to employment will be a priority area of work. Latin America is undergoing technological, demographic, and environmental transformations that are redefining the labor market. Traditional jobs in agriculture and manufacturing are declining, while 70% of young people are projected to enter the service sector by 2030.
This change requires new skills, relevant technical and vocational training, and education systems that are aligned with labor demand.
Therefore, we will prioritize initiatives aimed at:
- Technical and professional training aligned with labor demand.
- Improving youth employability.
- Socioeconomic inclusion with a territorial approach.
- Reducing social and digital gaps.
We will work in coordination with governments and key actors to identify specific projects that generate sustainable and scalable impact.
Educational innovation: regional competition on generative AI
As part of the agreement, we will launch a regional competition for best practices in education using generative artificial intelligence. The goal is to highlight experiences that use AI responsibly to improve learning and strengthen skills relevant to employment, especially in technical and vocational training.
It is not about adopting technology because it is trendy. It is about ensuring that innovation does not widen gaps, but rather democratizes opportunities. We are committed to artificial intelligence with a focus on justice and equity, which enhances capabilities and accelerates youth labor inclusion in Latin America.
Cooperation that makes an impact
At Ayuda en Acción, we understand that youth employment is a strategic priority for sustainable development, social cohesion, and the reduction of inequalities in the region. This partnership with the OAS reinforces our vision: to work as a network, with a systemic approach and concrete results.
Latin America needs to move from assessment to action. At Ayuda en Acción, we are already on that path.
