The 1st Regional NAM Youth Forum in Venezuela

The 1st Regional NAM Youth Forum was successfully held from 10 to 12 August in Caracas, Venezuela, co-organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the NAM Youth Organization’s National Chapter in Venezuela. Bringing together youth from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Forum provided an inclusive platform for dialogue, collaboration, and regional cooperation on global and youth-related issues.

Dedicated to the upcoming International Youth Day, the Forum commenced with an official opening ceremony featuring high-level remarks by the Minister of Popular Power for Youth and Sports of Venezuela, H.E. Mr. Mervin Maldonado, and the Minister of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, H.E. Mr. Yván Gil Pinto. The speakers emphasized the importance of youth engagement in international affairs and highlighted the role of the NAM Youth Organization as a global platform uniting young people from Non-Aligned Movement Member States. The Chairperson of the NAM Youth Organization, Mr. Ordukhan Gahramanzade, outlined the historic establishment of NAMYO, the initiatives of its National Chapters, and the strategic importance of expanding NAMYO’s presence in the region.

The Forum’s program featured a Model NAM Simulation on “The progress and challenges of youth-oriented policies in the new global era,” during which participants assumed the roles of Foreign Ministers of NAM Member States and addressed contemporary global challenges through multilateral dialogue. This exercise enabled participants to strengthen their diplomatic, analytical, and leadership skills.

In addition to its substantive sessions, the Forum included cultural and educational activities such as a city tour of Caracas, visits to Waraira Repano National Park and the Hugo Chávez Memorial, allowing participants to explore Venezuela’s natural and historical heritage while fostering intercultural exchange.

The Forum concluded with an official closing ceremony, during which certificates of participation were awarded and appreciation was expressed to the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Venezuelan National Chapter of NAMYO for their support and successful organization of the event. The 1st Regional NAM Youth Forum marked an important step toward strengthening regional youth cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and reaffirmed NAMYO’s commitment to empowering young leaders as agents of positive change.