As part of the celebration of International Youth Day, the First National Forum of Rural Youth in Panama’s Agricultural Sector concluded successfully. The event took place from August 11 to 12 under the theme “Rural Youth: Challenges and Dynamic Solutions for the Future” and featured the participation of Minister of Agricultural Development, Augusto Valderrama.

Minister Valderrama reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting rural youth in transforming the agricultural sector toward greater productivity, sustainability, and employment. He thanked the FAO for its support and emphasized the vital role of Indigenous youth in this process.

Youseff Sayad, National Director of the Rural Youth Program of MIDA (PRONAJUR), stated that the forum aimed to strengthen the vision and strategy of agro-entrepreneurship among rural youth in Panama, addressing not only economic challenges but also climate-related issues.

The forum brought together over 200 young people from across the country, and the Minister officially swore in Ada Carrasco Pinzón as the President of the National Council of Rural Youth.

This event, supported by the Mesoamerica Without Hunger Program (AMEXCID-FAO), helped reinforce the importance of youth-driven innovation in agriculture as a key factor in facing both economic and environmental challenges. The emphasis was placed on the need to continue empowering rural youth for the advancement of the agricultural sector.

The forum concluded with the presentation of certificates and a strong commitment to continue strengthening Panama’s agricultural sector through youth empowerment.

Source: https://mida.gob.pa/reiteran-apoyo-a-los-jovenes-rurales-durante-el-cierre-del-primer-foro-nacional