By Randy Marquez 

Youth leader in Barranquilla, Colombia

The visit of Joel Miranda, GOYN Global's youth engagement manager, to Barranquilla marked a milestone in the relationship between the city and the global network of young people committed to social transformation. In the framework of the launch of the second report developed by GOYN Barranquilla, Joel had the opportunity to immerse himself in the culture and vibrant youth community of the city, creating bonds that reflect the essence of what it means to be part of a global network.

Joel Miranda:

“It was my first time visiting Barranquilla. It was an amazing experience. The people are very warm and the city is beautiful. The combination of the warmth of its people, the beauty of the Caribbean coast, the Magdalena River boardwalk, and my experience with colleagues and young leaders made this trip feel less like a work commitment and more like a visit to friends and family.

I believe there is great potential in the city in several ways. First, the energy and aspirations of young people provide a great opportunity to channel their talents and desires to collaborate, working together to build a brighter future for Barranquilla. Second, there is a clear desire and potential in various public and private sectors to come together, identify investment opportunities and create new economic opportunities for young people. In this way, young people will be able to prosper and contribute to the well-being of themselves, their families and their communities.

There were a few experiences that were especially memorable and impactful for me. The first was the opportunity to connect with young leaders like Randy and Angie the weekend I arrived. I got to know the city, its communities, its food (delicious Tutumazo!), and its people in ways that no work meeting could offer. Touring the city, visiting the library and community organizations with the Youth Advisory Group (GAJ) allowed me to learn about spaces that can serve as resources for young people, or that are willing to receive them to contribute to a healthy and prosperous Barranquilla.

Finally, the GOYN Barranquilla event, where the annual report was presented and young people shared their energy through a live video and podcast, showed the magnitude of the network of public and private sector partners, as well as young leaders who are part of the broader GOYN Barranquilla collaborative group. In just one year, the team and young leaders of Fundación Corona and GOYN Barranquilla have created a space that will foster paths for young people to reach their full potential!”

A city that welcomes with open arms

Barranquilla, a city that combines tradition and modernity, welcomed Joel with open arms. His tour began at the Magdalena River boardwalk, a place where history meets nature, symbolizing the city’s resilience and dynamism. As they walked alongside the imposing river, Joel commented that the landscape reminded him of his native Puerto Rico, where the sea and nature play a central role in daily life. This similarity made him feel at home, highlighting how Barranquilla and Puerto Rico share not only the warmth of the climate, but also the human warmth and vibrant energy of its people.

From a personal perspective, Joel stressed that the Caribbean people are a rich mix of cultures: Africans, indigenous people, Spaniards and all those who arrived, whether by choice or by force. This mix has given rise to a people rich in narratives, linguistics and in that “tumbao” that characterizes us. The cultural connection was further strengthened with a visit to “El Tutumazo”, a local restaurant where Joel enjoyed Barranquilla cuisine in an environment that once again transported him to his beloved Puerto Rico.

Launch of the GOYN Barranquilla Report

The highlight of the visit was the launch of the GOYN Barranquilla report, an event that brought together young leaders and key community stakeholders. The report, the fruit of hard collective work, offers a comprehensive view of youth participation, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that young people face on their path to leadership. During the event, the energy and commitment of local youth was palpable, and Joel did not hesitate to highlight the importance of their active participation in building a more equitable and sustainable future.

In addition to the report, the event served as the setting for the recording of the podcast “Jóvenes que Inspiran Jóvenes,” a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are making a difference in their communities. Although Joel did not participate in the podcast, he shared his global perspectives on the transformative power of youth during the event, encouraging those present to continue working for positive change in their environments.

Closing the visit

The visit ended with the launch of the report. Afterwards, Joel had the opportunity to taste the local cuisine at the El Tutumazo restaurant. The flavours, aromas and warm hospitality of the place were the icing on the cake for a visit that, without a doubt, left a deep impression on Joel and strengthened the ties between Barranquilla and GOYN Global.

Joel Miranda's visit to Barranquilla was not only a cultural exchange, but a reaffirmation of the values shared by both communities. Through this experience, the importance of global connections and youth participation as drivers of change was underlined, demonstrating that when passion and commitment are combined, there are no borders to the positive impact that young people can generate in the world.

Final sentence: “Being the first to be second, a paradox that drives me to achieve excellence“