Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Youth of the political parties CASA, EG, FRG, GANA, PAN, PP, UCN, UNE, Unionista, URNG-MAIZ and VIVA, who take part in the Youth Commission of the Permanent Forum of Political Parties (PFPP) in Guatemala, presented their plans today in a well-attended People’s Chamber of Congress. The presence of Representatives of Congress, Secretary Generals of the Political Parties and the press gave support to the youth’s proposals on how to increase the participation of young people in party politics. 

Af ter the event a copy of the Youth Declaration ‘Youth in Power, Transforming Politics’ was given to all participants. The declaration contains the outcomes of the Second National Youth Convention held in Guatemala City during 7th, 8th and 9th of November 2008.

Witness to the neccessities

Alejandro De León Maldonado, President of the Legislative Commission on Youth in Congress, during the event emphasized the importance that the participation of youth has for strengthening Guatemala’s democracy: ‘It is important to support Youth because they represent seventy percent of the population; in their communities they witness the necessities youth have and because of this it is important that they participate.’

The Declaration is an important follow-up on last year’s Youth Convention in that it presents clear proposals towards political parties on how youth wish to participate in the parties’ structures on all levels, with initiative and commitment to building a better Guatemala.

NIMD’s commitment to youth participation

NIMD supports the inclusion of youth in politics through the Youth Commission of the Forum. NIMD’s support has included assistance last year to the Youth Commission in the elaboration of a media campaign for the vote of youth in politics. Also, NIMD promotes the cooperation and interchange of experience between the Youth Commission and the Young NIMD (YNIMD). To this end, NIMD has hosted several missions of Dutch political youth to Guatemala and has coordinated one visit of Guatemalan political youth to Holland. In context of this cooperation, two Dutch political youth visited Guatemala this year to participate in the Second National Youth Convention to share experiences on youth within party structures with their Guatemala counterparts (for more information click here).

NIMD’s support to the political inclusion of Youth, Women and Indigenous People is part of a long term strategy to strengthen the multiparty democracy in Guatemala.