By Randal Marquez

Youth Advisory Group, GOYN Barranquilla

Exploring Mexico City: A Journey of Collaboration, Connections and Shared Experiences with the YAG

My trip to Mexico City was much more than just a tourist visit. It was a transformative experience of collaboration, effective connections and an enriching exchange of experiences.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the cultural richness and warmth of its people. I wandered its cobblestone streets and admired the colonial architecture of buildings like the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The energy of the city was palpable, with street musicians and street vendors bringing life to every corner.

My experience with the YAG in Mexico City was truly enriching in terms of collaborating for the common good. I met young people who were passionate and committed to positive change in their communities. We shared our experiences, challenges and projects, and found surprising similarities in our realities despite the distance.

One of the most memorable moments was when we visited Chapultepec Park. Together with the YAG members, we shared experiences of our leadership. It was inspiring to see how the youth of Mexico City are actively involved in improving their community.

During my stay, I also experienced effective connections with YAG members and the local community. Through our shared conversations and activities, we discovered new ways to collaborate and make a positive impact in our communities.

Ibero-American Meeting

My experience at the Ibero-American Civil Society Meeting can be described as impactful, educational and enriching. It was a space where articulation and collaborative work were the main themes.

The importance of collaboration between the different actors in society offers the possibility of causing significant changes with a great impact on the visibility of youth processes, which are the driving force of society. Young people seek to improve and obtain guarantees for their rights and those of the next generation. Giving them a voice in places of importance in social transformation and decision-making is an act of responsibility and coherence.

Generational exchange is a highly relevant topic and a key element in the search for sustainability. Hence the idea of an innovative, disruptive and passionate youth in the complex symphony of today's society. Youth represents a fundamental note, a vibrant chord that, when listened to carefully, reveals new melodies of change and progress. In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, the voice and perspective of young people become crucial to building a more inclusive, innovative and resilient society.

Of course, I can't forget to mention the delicious Mexican cuisine I tried during my trip. From tacos al pastor to chiles en nogada, each dish was an explosion of flavors that reflected the diversity and culinary richness of Mexico.

In short, my trip to Mexico City and my exchange of experiences with the city's YAG were unforgettable. This experience has inspired me to continue collaborating with young people from all over the world, creating effective connections and sharing experiences to make the world a better place.

Thank you Mexico City for welcoming me with open arms and showing me the beauty and diversity of your culture!

I would like to thank CEMEFI for the invitation and also for their commitment and dedication to the creation of these types of meetings that allow youth to participate. I would like to thank GOYN Mexico City, GOYN Barranquilla, the Aspen Institute and each of the people who lovingly made this experience impact my life.

Quote: “When a system is far from equilibrium, small islands of coherence in an ocean of chaos have the capacity to elevate an entire system to a higher level.” And this is how we collectively create changes that no one wants.