The European Union officially launches its first Youth Advisory Council in Honduras
Tegucigalpa, April 11, 2025. In a decisive step towards more inclusive, participatory, and youth-centered cooperation, the European Union Delegation in Honduras officially launched the activities of its first Youth Advisory Council (YAC) “Juventudes Liderando” (Youth Leading).
The CCJ is made up of ten young people aged between 18 and 30, from different regions of the country. This space has been established as a direct channel for dialogue between Honduran youth and EU representatives in Honduras, allowing their voices, concerns, and proposals to actively contribute to the formulation and implementation of actions defined within the framework of cooperation with Honduras.
UE
The creation of this council represents a key milestone in the European Union's commitment to young people, in line with the “Action Plan for Youth in External Action 2022-2027.” This plan establishes a framework for promoting the meaningful participation of young people in the EU's external action, promoting inclusion, equity, and gender equality as cross-cutting principles. Its objective is to empower young people as agents of change, facilitating their involvement in decision-making and in the implementation of initiatives that have a positive impact on their lives.
On the first day of activities, CCJ members participated in several discussions facilitated by staff from the EU Delegation in Honduras. They first met with Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires Mickaël Roudaut, who discussed the history and current situation of the European Union in Honduras, and then with Cooperation Attaché Alfredo Gadea, who presented the framework for cooperation between the EU and Honduras.
Finally, participants worked together on the CCJ's six-month activity plan and identified key areas for strengthening the group's capacities, under the guidance of the Program Manager in charge, Mr. Marcello Abate.
The second day focused on a more in-depth exchange between the CCJ youth and the management staff of the EU Delegation in Honduras, addressing priority issues such as the Global Gateway strategy, human rights, decent employment, and the fight against the climate crisis.
These spaces allowed young people to explore and learn more about how youth perspectives are integrated into EU cooperation strategies in the country.
The day ended with an official launch ceremony at the headquarters of the European Union Delegation in Honduras.
During the closing toast and cocktail reception, the Head of Cooperation and Minister Counselor of the European Union Delegation in Honduras, Ms. Cristina Marín, welcomed the group's commitment and stressed the importance of this new space as a fundamental tool for interacting with young people in Honduras, recognizing their strategic role in the country's sustainable and inclusive development, as well as for building a space for consolidation and constructive dialogue on the realities, aspirations, and joint priorities of Honduran youth and the European Union.