OAS and Ayuda en Acción Partner to Boost Youth Employment

The Organization of American States (OAS) and the NGO Ayuda en Acción have signed a strategic alliance aimed at boosting youth employment in Latin America. This agreement, formalized on February 24, 2026, seeks to address the alarming youth unemployment rate in the region, which affects millions of young people aged 15 to 24.

According to recent data, the youth unemployment rate in Latin America is significantly higher than the global average, exceeding 20%. This situation is exacerbated by factors such as a lack of training opportunities, a shortage of formal jobs, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led many businesses to downsize or close altogether.

The collaboration between the OAS and Ayuda en Acción will include professional training programs, job search assistance, and the promotion of entrepreneurial initiatives. Moreover, it will focus on creating partnerships with the private sector to facilitate the labor integration of young people across various industries.

"It is essential that we work together to provide our youth with the tools they need to access a decent and sustainable work future," stated Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS. Meanwhile, Ayuda en Acción's director, María José Gálvez, highlighted the importance of this alliance: "We are committed to generating real opportunities for young people, who are the driving force behind the development of our societies."

This agreement also aims to promote the social and economic inclusion of youth, prioritizing those from vulnerable communities. The OAS and Ayuda en Acción hope that through this collaboration, they can reduce inequality gaps and contribute to building a more equitable future for the youth in Latin America.

As the region continues to face economic challenges, initiatives like this are essential to ensure that new generations can thrive and contribute to the development of their countries.