On the 23 November, the EU Delegation to Panama marked a significant milestone by convening the first-ever meeting of its Youth Sounding Board. Representatives from diverse Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) specialising in climate, water, education, ethnicity, indigenous affairs, and feminism gathered to share their missions and interests with the EU Delegation.

Why was the Youth Sounding Board created

The commitment to youth participation stems from the values and founding treaties of the EU. Collaborating with young people is key to building stronger, legitimate, peaceful and democratic societies, where human rights and the rule of law are respected, but above all, where no one is left behind. Because young people are agents of change. 

The Youth Sounding Board in Panama builds on the EU Youth Action Plan, adopted in 2021 under the leadership of Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen. It includes three pillars: commitment to encourage young people to raise their voices in decision-making, empowerment aimed at reducing inequalities and supporting young people in the use of their skills and resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and connection allowing for opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange. 

This space is of great importance to us, as the participation of young people is a priority in EU policies. This becomes particularly relevant in a society such as the Panamanian one, where about a quarter of the population is considered young. With this initiative we want to listen to your proposals and establish long-term collaboration.

Izabela Matusz, Ambassador of the European Union to Panama

What is the Youth Sounding Board

The Youth Sounding Board acts as a youth advisory committee, and aims to provide a local and youthful perspective on the situation in Panama and the activities of the Delegation of the EU. In addition, it is an opportunity to make visible the important work of member organisations: : Jóvenes Unidos por la Educación, Asociación Panameña de Debate, Dame un Chande, Fundación Espacio Creativo, Jóvenes y Cambio Climático, La Red de Jóvenes por el Agua Centroamericana, Consejo Nacional de Juventud, ANYAR, Fundación Contra-Peso, Espacio Encuentro de Mujeres y Colectivo Voces Ecológicas.

The inaugural event facilitated an open dialogue between the EU Delegation and the representatives of various CSOs. The participants delved into the EU Delegation's journey in Panama, as well as presented their insights on main programmes and priorities. The focus was on bidirectional consultation and collaboration. 

How did the inaugural meeting go

During this first meeting, members chose the Youth Sounding Board's president, secretary and community manager. Represented CSOs agreed to create its own social media and regularly share its events. They also expressed their interest in receiving professional formation on relevant topics.

In a collaborative spirit, the EU Delegation consulted the Youth Sounding Board on upcoming events, inviting their active participation. The CSOs representatives were encouraged to lend their perspectives to diverse initiatives, thereby enriching the discourse with their unique insights.

As the Youth Sounding Board in Panama takes shape, it becomes a vital conduit for mutual understanding, collaboration, and the integration of youth perspectives into the fabric of EU activities in Panama.