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Latin American youth demand democracy that delivers development and inclusion
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

Latin American youth demand democracy that delivers development and inclusion

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Young Latin Americans believe democracy is only meaningful if it delivers development, inclusion, and reduced inequality.
  • A UNDP survey found that 67.5% of young people see democracy as essential, but only 0.4% feel traditional parties represent them.
  • Concerns include political parties' disconnect, insufficient representation for marginalized communities, and the spread of disinformation amplified by AI.

At the 'Future Governments: Youth Expectations' forum, organized by the UNDP and supported by EFE, young Latin Americans voiced their demands for a democracy that actively fosters development, reduces inequalities, and ensures genuine inclusion. The consensus among participants, including a hundred Brazilian youths and others from across the region, is that democracy's legitimacy hinges on its ability to deliver tangible results for its citizens.

The way politicians organize themselves does not represent us, they are not close to us.

— AlanA young Brazilian participant at the forum, expressing the disconnect between youth and traditional politics.

The disconnect between traditional politics and the youth is stark. A UNDP survey revealed that a mere 0.4% of young respondents believe political parties represent their interests, highlighting a profound lack of trust. Despite this, a significant majority (67.5%) still view democracy as essential or a viable path forward, provided it addresses systemic flaws. This conditional support underscores a clear mandate for political systems to become more responsive and effective.

The postal code should not dictate our lives, it should not dictate our future.

— KelvinA young participant highlighting the need for equal opportunity regardless of geographic or socioeconomic background.

Key concerns raised include the need for greater political inclusion for urban peripheries and rural areas, where residents often lack adequate political education and time to participate. The phrase "the postal code should not dictate our lives" powerfully encapsulates the demand for equal opportunity. Furthermore, the pervasive issue of disinformation, exacerbated by artificial intelligence and exploited by political actors, poses a significant threat to democratic institutions, particularly in polarized environments like Brazil.

many politicians to destabilize democracy or pressure institutions.

— AlanDescribing the use of disinformation, amplified by AI, by political actors.

From our perspective at ABC Color, these discussions are vital. They reflect a generation not content with the status quo, demanding a more functional and equitable democracy. The emphasis on tangible outcomes like development and inclusion, rather than just procedural democracy, is a critical message for leaders across Latin America. This is not just about representation; it's about a democracy that demonstrably improves lives, especially for those historically left behind.

democracy is for everyone

— Nuria EngelmoDirector of Business for South America at the EFE Agency, emphasizing the inclusive nature of democracy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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