The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Ayuda en Acción Foundation signed a new Framework Cooperation Agreement for the 2026–2029 period, aimed at strengthening the youth public policy agenda across the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The agreement was signed by the Executive Secretary of ECLAC, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, and the Director General of the Ayuda en Acción Foundation, Jorge Cattaneo.

The agreement was formalized during a ceremony held within the framework of the XII Inter-American Meeting of Ministers of Education, organized by the Organization of American States (OAS) in Quito, Ecuador. ECLAC was represented by Daniela Trucco, Senior Social Affairs Officer of the Social Development Division.

The renewal of this partnership ensures continuity to the joint work initiated in 2023 through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at promoting the development of public policies that contribute to improving opportunities and well-being for young people in the region.

The new agreement establishes a collaborative framework to develop initiatives of common interest related to strengthening institutional capacities and generating evidence for the formulation of youth policies. Contemplated activities include the joint production of knowledge, conducting research, organizing seminars and conferences, exchanging specialized publications and materials, as well as implementing other technical and institutional cooperation actions.

ECLAC has consistently highlighted the need to advance towards policies that foster the social, educational, and labor inclusion of youth, particularly in a context marked by profound technological transformations, productivity challenges, and persistent inequalities. Within this framework, collaboration with civil society organizations contributes to strengthening efforts to generate evidence, promote dialogue, and support the formulation of innovative responses to the challenges facing young people in Latin America and the Caribbean.