Manifesto of La Mesa de Empleabilidad y Emprendimiento Juvenil Rural

A Call to Action!

At La Mesa de Empleabilidad y Emprendimiento Juvenil Rural (MEEJR), we raise our voices with pride and determination. We are a diverse group of leaders from different rural communities: peasants, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant Raizales, Palenqueros, fishermen, artisans, neo-rurals, LGBTIQ+ individuals, among others. We represent the strength and potential of the rural youth of our country.

Over these years of collaborative work, we have joined forces and built bridges among youth organizations; the public sector; private sector; NGOs; grassroots organizations; civil society; and universities. We have created a space where dialogue flourishes, proposals come together, and we envision sustainable and lasting rural development.

At every gathering, we have witnessed the power of rural youth. We have heard inspiring stories of courage and resilience. We have seen the creativity and innovation that emerge from our communities. In our conversations with young communities, we have identified around 900 enterprises emerging from the organizations that make up this Mesa. We are the voice of rural youth, those young people committed to building a future of peace and dignity in our regions, territories, and communities.

Today, we raise our commitment to the next level. We declare ourselves territorial enablers, ready to break barriers and overcome obstacles. We are here to challenge the limitations set and imposed on the territory, institutional abandonment, lack of resources, and deepening social inequalities. We refuse to accept the marginalization and lack of opportunities that have historically affected our rural communities.

We demand that authorities, government actors, and society at large recognize and value the potential of rural youth. We need specific policies and programs that promote entrepreneurship and employability in our communities. We need access to financial resources, training, and technical support to turn our ideas into successful projects.

We call on our fellow members from all youth organizations to join this struggle. The road will not be easy, but together we can achieve it. We have the passion, energy, and determination needed to transform our realities. It is time to raise our voices, assert our rights, and build a prosperous future for all.

Forward, rural youth! Let us unite in this mission of transformation and together overcome all the challenges we face.

Let us rise with courage and bravery, with the conviction that our work is vital for the development of our communities. Let us reject resignation and apathy, and embrace hope and determination.

Let us demand that our leaders and the institutions that represent us recognize and value the fundamental role of rural youth. We call for inclusive public policies that provide equitable access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Let us not allow geographical barriers and lack of resources to limit us. Let us seek strategic partnerships with the private sector, NGOs, educational institutions, and civil society to drive joint projects and expand our opportunities.

Let us remember that our work goes beyond the economic. We are guardians of our culture, our traditions, and our natural environment. Let us promote sustainable and environmentally respectful practices, contributing to the preservation of our roots and the care of our planet.

Let us face challenges with optimism and resilience. Let us learn from mistakes, celebrate successes, and keep moving forward with determination. Every step we take on this path brings us closer to the reality we dream of for our rural youth.

At La MEEJR, we are committed to being a beacon of hope and a supportive space for all rural youth. We will work tirelessly to ensure our voices are heard, our needs are addressed, and our opportunities are expanded.

United, we are unstoppable! Let’s move forward with passion, energy, and determination! La Mesa de Empleabilidad y Emprendimiento Juvenil Rural is ready to make history!

Long live rural youth! Long live the transformation!