OAS and Ayuda en Acción Join Forces to Boost Youth Employment

On March 7, 2026, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the NGO Ayuda en Acción announced a strategic alliance aimed at addressing one of the most pressing issues in Latin America: high youth unemployment. This collaboration comes against a backdrop where young people face significant challenges in entering the job market, particularly in countries with high rates of informality and limited job opportunities.

The OAS, committed to the social and economic development of the region, seeks through this alliance to provide tools and resources that facilitate the labor market entry for youth. Meanwhile, Ayuda en Acción, with its extensive experience in community development programs, will contribute its knowledge and networks to implement initiatives that generate sustainable employment.

According to data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the youth unemployment rate in Latin America stands at around 20%, a staggering figure that reflects the difficulties young people face in accessing formal and quality jobs. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of adequate training and the scarcity of effective public policies that support the transition from education to employment.

The programs developed under this alliance will include technical training, soft skills coaching, and the creation of networking opportunities between young people and companies. They will also focus on fostering entrepreneurship, providing young people with the necessary tools to start their own businesses.

With this alliance, the OAS and Ayuda en Acción hope not only to reduce youth unemployment rates but also to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable development in the region, where every young person has the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their community.