Ideathon for Social Justice
A space to amplify young voices and promote innovative solutions
Youth employment in Latin America and the Caribbean faces significant challenges. Millions of young people are seeking access to decent and sustainable job opportunities that reflect their values, prioritising environmentally responsible, socially ethical and economically viable models.
In this context, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has reaffirmed its commitment to young people through the #IdeathonForSocialJustice 2024 — an initiative designed to generate innovative ideas that address the challenges of social justice and decent work.
This space not only aimed to highlight and strengthen ideas with social impact, but also to empower young people as agents of change within their communities. With 405 proposals received from 16 countries, participation exceeded all expectations and demonstrated the deep commitment of youth to driving social transformation.
Highlighted Ideas 2024
See the selected initiatives and explore the proposed solutions
Social Justice and Youth: key focus areas
The proposals received covered a wide range of key issues for young people in the region, reflecting their primary concerns and aspirations:
- Equal opportunities
- Decent work
- Autonomy and collective well-being
- Non-discrimination and gender equality
- Education and skills for employment
- Youth representation and activism
- Climate justice and sustainability
- Mental health in the world of work
- Participation in decision-making
Ideathon in numbers: a regional movement
405
Innovative ideas received with an average age of participants of 22 years.
16 countries
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.
68.4%
Of proposals submitted collectively and 47.7% of proposals led by women.
A process of dialogue and collective building
The #IdeathonForSocialJustice has been more than a platform to share ideas — it has been a participatory process rooted in social dialogue.
Proposals were assessed by a tripartite jury composed of ILO technical experts, alongside representatives from the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), and governments from across the region.
Beyond the selection of standout initiatives, this process allowed for the identification of key trends, concerns, and innovative solutions from a youth perspective, enriching the regional agenda on social justice and decent work.
Inspiring initiatives
Developed by: Noelia Maldonado
Age: 16
Country: Bolivia
Description
This initiative aims to transform the landscape of youth entrepreneurship in Bolivia through a comprehensive approach including:
- Training in business skills
- Access to youth-specific microcredit
- A continuous support network
- Tax incentives for youth-led enterprises
Developed by: Daniela Alejandra Gutierrez Rojas, Ibeth Gissell Ortega Alvarado
Age: 27
Country: Colombia
Description
Union Culture is a strategy that, through popular education, seeks to promote decent work and social justice by encouraging ownership of trade union culture and labour rights. The initiative aims to ensure economic, emotional, and professional stability while supporting the personal and collective development of youth.
Developed by: Fátima Gaytán, Victoria Hita, Roxana Hita, Paulina Ibáñez, Grecia Herrera, Estefanía Villaseca
Age: 22
Country: Mexico
Description
CONCORA is designed to be a transformative tool that not only educates, but also inspires and equips young people to face today’s challenges. It is an educational platform and opportunity hub developed to strengthen professional development, foster equal opportunities and build sustainable communities.
Labour Law Study Circle, Universidad Católica San Pablo
Developed by: Anyela Apaza Apaza, Diana Cambillo, Camila Zavaleta, Pablo Rimachi, Nadia Mamanihancco, Diana Choquecondo, Belén Paredes, José Gutiérrez, Melissa Vega, Gabriela Ortiz, Ana Ponce
Age: 27
Country: Peru
Description
This project seeks to create inclusive employment opportunities through economic policies that promote social justice from a perspective of social and political engagement. Focused on secondary school students in rural and vulnerable areas, “Descúbrete” supports an equitable school-to-work transition, positioning decent employment as a sustainable alternative for young people facing educational and social barriers.
Developed by: Julia de Souza Santos, Ana Liz Medina, Ana Julia Barbosa (Girl Up Sharon Tate)
Age: 18
Country: Brazil
Description
This initiative aims to develop an innovative platform that integrates sustainability and trade union freedom into a single ecosystem, promoting ethical and responsible practices in the workplace. The Eco-Union seeks to establish new standards in employer-employee relations, strengthening social justice and sustainable growth.
Stay in touch
If you have any questions or would like to explore further opportunities to strengthen your initiative, please contact us at [email protected].
Follow us on social media to learn more about the ideas shared and the insights gained through the Ideathon.
Thank you for being part of this space. Your voice is key to building a future with greater social justice and opportunities for all.