Young people raise their voices: Declaration of the 8th Interamerican Youth Forum

3 minutes

The World Organisation of the Scout Movement–Interamerica Support Centre (WOSM–ISC), in collaboration with YMCA Latin America and the Caribbean (YMCA LAC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC LAC), announces the official launch of the declaration of the 8th Interamerican Youth Forum. This collective document gathers ideas, concerns, and proposals from more than 200 young people from 30 countries across the American continent.

The declaration is the result of a diverse, participatory process held on 16 and 17 August 2025 in a virtual format. During the forum, young people from all corners of the Americas shared experiences, debated, and collaboratively developed an action agenda to transform their reality and that of their communities.

This milestone in regional mobilisation, built and fully approved by those who participated, is presented as a tool for public advocacy, intergenerational dialogue, and the design of policies of interest to young people.
“I would define the Interamerican Youth Forum in one phrase: a transformative experience. Young people were truly heard as protagonists, not just participants. I was inspired to see them from so many countries sharing their realities, challenges and dreams... I leave with new friendships, valuable learnings and the motivation to keep working for a more active and influential youth in their communities.”
22-year-old participant

What does the declaration contain?

The declaration is organised into four priority areas with concrete proposals addressed to national and local governments, organisations working with young people, youth coalitions and networks, multilateral bodies, and the private sector:

  • Youth participation in decision-making (governance, voting seats, participatory budgets)
  • Inclusion, diversity and equity (intersectional approach and removal of barriers)
  • Well-being, mental health and protective environments (protocols, referral pathways and digital safety)
  • Environmental sustainability and climate action (local targets, circular economy and nature-based solutions)

 

Why is it important?

It is not a simple collection of ideas: it is a mandate for action. The declaration highlights persistent barriers, exclusion, insecurity, and a lack of access to decision-making spaces, and proposes applicable solutions with a local, regional, and intersectional approach. It is a valuable input for institutional planning, strategic frameworks, advocacy, and training. Its creation reaffirms the commitment of WOSM–ISC, YMCA LAC and IFRC LAC to place the voices of young people at the heart of social transformation.

 

Where can I access it?

Via this link:

Youth Forum Declaration 2025
 

Strategic partnerships

The 8th Interamerican Youth Forum was made possible thanks to the support of the Interamerican Scout Foundation, along with the technical, methodological, and communications collaboration of WOSM–ISC, YMCA LAC, IFRC LAC, UNFPA, AeioTu and Junior Achievements. These organisations supported both the planning process and the facilitation of spaces and the creation of follow-up alliances.
“We are united by the conviction that a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable world is possible. Change has already begun, and the youth of the Interamerican Region are leading the way.”
Declaration of the 8th Interamerican Youth Forum

We invite all National Scout Organisations, youth networks, institutional representatives, and allies to:

  • Read and share the declaration within their communities
  • Incorporate the forum’s recommendations into agendas, plans and policies
  • Promote spaces where young people lead and are heard

For more information, or if you wish to coordinate joint dissemination actions, please contact: interamerica@scout.org
Youth Action Youth Empowerment