UNESCO and Nestlé Fund Three Social Transformation Projects by Mexican Youth

Out of 900 proposals submitted by youth organizations and individuals aged 18 to 29, only 20 projects were selected for funding.

Three innovative social transformation projects led by young people in Mexico have been awarded seed capital of USD 10,000 each through the UNESCO and Nestlé pilot program, Impulso Joven – Because Youth Matters. This initiative aims to support impactful youth-driven projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Out of 900 proposals submitted by youth organizations and individuals aged 18 to 29, only 20 projects were selected for funding. The chosen initiatives from Mexico include:

1. Earth-IoT: Conectando el campo – Led by Ángeles Marcial Mejía, this project focuses on agrotechnology to support small and medium-sized agricultural producers in the Mixteca Poblana region. It aims to strengthen the agricultural sector and contribute to creating 8.4 million green economy jobs for young people by 2030.

2. The Illness Nobody Talks About in the Village – This project addresses mental health challenges faced by indigenous communities. Erika Hernández Cuevas and Eduardo Ezequiel Martínez Gutiérrez from the Network of Intercultural Interpreters and Promoters will work to provide mental health services in indigenous languages, benefiting over 1 million people in Oaxaca.

3. Reading My Emotions: Emotional Education for Migrant Children at the Mexico-USA Border – Initiated by Alejandra Morales Torres, this project aims to support migrant children through emotional education and create safe spaces for adaptation and integration.

These projects reflect the critical role of youth in driving positive change and addressing pressing issues such as climate action, mental health, and education. The 2024 International Youth Day theme, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," underscores the importance of digital technologies and data in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNESCO's Global Youth Grant Scheme supports young people with funding, training, and mentorship to enhance socially impactful actions. Impulso Joven is a testament to the organization’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering transformative solutions.

In Mexico, UNESCO's Social and Human Sciences Sector plays a vital role in strengthening public policies, promoting ethical approaches to science and technology, and fostering dialogue for inclusive and resilient societies. The success of these projects highlights the potential of youth-led initiatives to drive significant social change.