From July 28 to 29, 2025, São Paulo, Brazil hosted the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Dialogue of the International Forum “We, the Youth” (IFWY), bringing together 50 dynamic young leaders aged 18 to 35 from 15 countries across the region. The event was implemented by Cooperatives of the Americas, in collaboration with OCB (Organização das Cooperativas Brasileiras) and generously hosted at no cost at the OCESP (Organização das Cooperativas do Estado de São Paulo) Headquarters. It was organized in partnership with the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), and Debate Korea. 

Participants came from a diverse range of countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, and Venezuela. Over two days, these emerging youth leaders served as the sole voices in the room, engaging in an innovative bottom-up methodology that placed youth at the center of every conversation and proposal. 

The dialogue formed part of the global IFWY movement (ifwy.org), which aims to amplify youth leadership in shaping cooperative, just, and sustainable futures. With pressing global challenges in focus, the Regional Dialogue was organized around six transformative themes: 

- Environmental Sustainability: Youth addressed the urgency of climate change through cross-border collaboration, ecological restoration, renewable energy, and sustainable innovations in resource management. 

- Economic Transformation: Participants explored inclusive and fair economic models, spotlighting the role of social enterprises and the social and solidarity economy in building resilience. 

- Social Justice and Equality: Strategies to reduce inequalities and ensure inclusive access to vital resources, education, healthcare, and opportunities were discussed. 

- Technological Innovations and Ethical Considerations: Delegates examined the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in sustainable development, while critically analyzing their ethical implications. 

- Peace and Cooperation: Young leaders reflected on the promotion of diplomacy, regional cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution as pillars of global stability. 

- Collective Action and Solidarity: The dialogue concluded with a focus on systemic change driven by cross-national, cross-sectoral, and intercultural collaboration. 

Participants—referred to as Catalysts—were randomly assigned to scenarios that encouraged collaboration beyond national and sectoral boundaries. They were subsequently grouped thematically to structure proposals based on data, lived experiences, and regional contexts. These proposals were refined through iterative discussions and consensus-building, culminating in a Final List of Recommendations created through a unique democratic process involving timed interventions by each participant. 

(Thematic discussions) 

The dialogue concluded with a peer review and voting to select 25 youth leaders, recognized as Explorers, based on their collaborative leadership, active listening, and communication skills. These individuals will represent the Latin America and Caribbean region at the IFWY Final Global Conference in Seoul, Republic of Korea, carrying forward their region’s collective voice and vision. 

In a global context that demands bold, participatory, and sustainable solutions, this Regional Dialogue confirmed that young leaders not only have a voice—they also bring vision, structure, and political agency. Initiatives like IFWY reflect a firm commitment to placing youth and social inclusion at the heart of development, in alignment with SDG 16 and SDG 17. 

(Speaker’s list: everyone has a chance to speak) 

The event served as more than a space for dialogue—it was a launchpad for youth-led policy innovation that will shape global debates and advocacy efforts. The outcomes of the São Paulo Dialogue will contribute directly to IFWY’s global agenda and inform upcoming international forums. 

By providing space, resources, and recognition, this event underscored a growing consensus: youth are not just the future—they are the now. And in São Paulo, they came together to prove it.