Determined to “take the bull by the horns,” on Monday, the 20th, at the Congress of the Republic, several Generation Z (Gen Z) activists launched the organization “Legado Nacional Unido” to empower young people in the country’s political life and public affairs. This organization joins the many groups, agreements, and platforms that make up the country’s current social fabric and have come together under a commitment to the common good.
The ceremony and signing of the Charter of the youth organization “Legado Nacional Unido” took place in the Alberto Andrade Auditorium of the Congress of the Republic and was led by members of the Institutional Council: Yackov Solano, a Generation Z social activist and member of the Youth Parliament; political activist Flavia Nestares; Josué Ramos, an audiovisual activist and member of the Youth Parliament; and Caroline Buitrón, an activist and journalist.
Active Political Participation by Young People
In opening the event, Yackov Solano noted that the youth organization “Legado Nacional Unido” was founded in response to the profound deterioration of democratic life that the country has experienced in recent years. “We have witnessed a political crisis characterized by the erosion of democratic institutions, the promotion of policies that foster impunity, the weakening of the rule of law, and the growing polarization and alienation of citizens—especially young people—from politics.
Our generation has grown up amid social protests, uncertainty, and repeated broken promises. Faced with this reality, we are committed to transforming our outrage into organization—into active, responsible, and democratic political participation.
With this conviction, we have established the “Legado Nacional Unido” Youth Organization as a platform to foster a new generation of leaders committed to serving the country and building a stronger, more inclusive, and more participatory democracy. The Organization is a social and political movement made up of young people from all regions of Peru who believe in our generation’s ability to drive the country’s development through dialogue, respect for democracy, citizen participation, and recognition of the diversity that characterizes our nation.”
For his part, Josué Ramos stated: “We young people often say, ‘We’re disappointed in politics,’ but we have to realize that it is the politicians themselves who cause us to be disappointed in them. We need to improve the country, and we have to do it starting now, because we are the future—but also the present that we will shape, not only for ourselves but also for our children and future generations.”
Support from Congress Members and the CNDDHH
The young members of the organization and those attending the event received support from former presidential candidate Mesías Guevara; Ruth Luque, a congresswoman and senator-elect; Ana Aguilar, a representative of the indigenous peoples of Juliaca, Puno; Diego Pomareda, a constitutional lawyer; Germán Vargas, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Coordinating Committee (CNDDHH); among others.
The event culminated with the signing of a Founding Charter, which was signed by both the members of the Council and the former members of Congress and representatives of institutions defending human, social, and political rights.
“This founding charter marks a first step toward establishing an institutional framework to organize young people who want to work for the country, and that is very valuable. I believe this is the path to institutionalization, first of all. And second, let’s not be afraid—let’s get involved in public affairs and politics, and let’s build the country we’ve all been dreaming of. And another very important point you’ve made: we cannot remain neutral in a country where human dignity is being violated. There is no room for neutrality. We take a stand for life, for the dignity of everyone—of all people,” the congressmen stated in support of the organization.
