By Randal Márquez

GOYN ALUNIM

“When a system is far from equilibrium, small islands of coherence in an ocean of chaos have the ability to elevate an entire system to a higher level..”

A Journey of Collaboration and Learning

From Barranquilla to Mombasa, passing through Mexico and global virtual gatherings, my journey as a youth leader has been a constant quest to build bridges, transform narratives, and amplify the voices of those seeking change. Every step, from the seawalls of the Magdalena River to the digital forums of Democracy Moves, has been an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute.

My involvement with GOYN and the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) has allowed me to represent not only my community, but thousands of young people facing similar challenges. Together, we have demonstrated that youth leadership is not just an act of presence, but a transformative force capable of redrawing the boundaries of what is possible.

Mombasa 2023: The Power of Global Gathering

At the heart of GOYN's global convention in Mombasa, I discovered the true meaning of interconnectedness. In a space that brought together youth leaders from all corners of the world, I understood that our cultural differences are, in fact, our greatest strength. Between panels and workshops, I confirmed that the key to change lies in working locally, but thinking globally.

It was there that the narrative of the "NINIS" transformed into a recognition of young people with potential. Together with other leaders, we co-created the "QUE NINI NI QUE NA" Manifesto, which has served as a basis for generating conversations that address the structural barriers faced by young people, shifting public perception toward a more just and promising perspective.

Mexico City: Narratives that Inspire and Connect

My visit to Mexico City was a moment of consolidation and learning. Through events such as the Communication Workshop and Podcast with Jóvenes con Rumbo, we worked on strategies for using digital tools in youth advocacy. This process culminated in the recording of an episode of "Voces Rebeldes," where we explored how resilience and storytelling can be tools for social transformation.

At the Ibero-American Civil Society Meeting, I reaffirmed the importance of intergenerational collaboration and a focus on sustainability to create inclusive solutions. With passionate young people, we discussed how coordination between civil society actors can drive meaningful change in our communities.

Key quote: “Communication not only informs; it also inspires and transforms.“

Democracy Moves: Inclusive Democracy and Youth

In June 2024, during my participation in the Democracy Moves convention, I addressed the challenges young people in Latin America face in participating in democratic spaces. I identified four key barriers:

1. Lack of soft skills.

2. Ignorance of citizens' rights and duties.

3. Isolation of information and institutional channels.

4. Narratives that minimize the role of youth.

I proposed concrete strategies to overcome these barriers, including mentoring programs, civic education, and digital access. My intervention called for recognizing young people as valid and essential stakeholders in building more inclusive democracies.

A Future Under Construction: Projection to 2025

The road ahead is full of opportunities. My goals for the coming year include:

• Expand the reach of the “QUE NINI NI QUE NA” Manifesto to other communities in Latin America, promoting an inclusive and transformative narrative shift.
• Strengthen soft skills and civic education by organizing workshops to prepare young leaders for the future.
• Build a network of youth narratives, where stories of success and resilience become an inspiration for others.
• The creation and consolidation of the alunim network.

Final Reflection

Youth participation is not a luxury, but a necessity for any society that aspires to equity and sustainability. Every space we occupy, from a podcast to a global forum, is a reminder that our voice matters. Because we are more than spectators in this world; we are its protagonists.

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