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Symposium addresses the challenge of youth employment in Panama
In response to the alarming rate of youth unemployment in Panama and worldwide, the symposium "Workforce Training for Youth in Panama: Current Situation, Challenges, and Actions" was held on June 15. It was sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland in Panama and the Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Central America.
The event was organized by the Waved Association and the Swiss-Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with UNESCO San Jose, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development. It brought together prominent representatives from the private sector, government agencies, and international organizations, including Mar铆a In茅s Castillo, Minister of Social Development; Fernando Castillero, Vice Minister of Labor and Labor Development; Ariel Rodr铆guez Gil, Academic Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education; and Ana Patricia Gra莽a, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Panama.
The main objective was to discuss strategies for preparing young people to successfully transition into the labor market and address the challenges they face in terms of training and opportunities.
The symposium was a response to the concerning reality of youth unemployment in Panama and the world. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 267 million young people worldwide lack employment, education, or training. In Panama, the youth unemployment rate reached a worrying 29%, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). These figures reflect the need to address this issue and provide concrete opportunities for young people.
During the symposium, the results of a study titled "What is expected of a young professional" were presented. The study gathered the expectations of the Panamanian private sector regarding young people. The survey, conducted in collaboration with various chambers of commerce, educational and social organizations, involved the participation of 257 Panamanian and foreign companies. The results of this study served as a basis for identifying challenges and opportunities in the training and preparation of young people for the labor market.
With the conclusion of the symposium, it is expected that the discussions and recommendations generated during the event will translate into concrete actions to address the challenge of youth employment in Panama. Collaboration between the private sector, government, academia, civil society organizations, and international bodies will be crucial to achieve a successful transition of young people into the labor market and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for this population.
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