Mexico City, March 29, 2025.— With the goal of inspiring young people under the slogan “Act Now, Make a Lasting Impact”, the 16th Youth Congress, organized by the high schools of the Universidad Panamericana.
The event, which brought together more than 1,200 students from 15 educational institutions from different states across the country at the Camino Real Hotel in Polanco, Mexico City, featured prominent speakers who shared their experiences on topics such as entrepreneurship, politics, social activism, cybersecurity, gender equality, and leadership.
The opening ceremony featured the Dr. Fernanda Llergo Bay, General Rector of the UP-IPADE system; and Dr. Santiago García, president of the Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City campus; and Dr. María José García Castillejos, Director General of the Panamericana Girls’ High School; and Alberto de la Barreda Hernández, M.A., principal of the Panamericana Boys’ High School and Mario Delgado, Secretary of Public Education; along with other administrators from the high schools of the Universidad Panamericana.
A space for change and inspiration
When he took the floor, Dr. Santiago García praised the young people’s organizational efforts in putting together the conference. He also told those present: “Throughout the history of these conferences, we have seen that the young people who attend experience a turning point, because they listen, engage in dialogue, are open to different perspectives, learn to take initiative, and are inspired.”
For her part, Dr. Fernanda Llergo reminded the students: “The ‘Youth Congress’ is a space designed for you (young people), so that you can discover new horizons, challenge your assumptions, and learn about different perspectives. (…) It’s up to each of you to make the most of every conversation, every question, every lesson learned, and above all, the connection with so many enthusiastic young people working toward a common goal.”
The Chancellor also noted that, to be a true agent of change, it is essential that they develop the ability to dream, but she reminded them that the key lies in turning their aspirations into concrete steps that bring them closer to their goals.
Next, Mexico’s Secretary of Public Education highlighted the importance of education in changing mindsets and eradicating social problems. He also recognized Panamericana’s commitment to the training young leaders with strong values. He concluded his speech by quoting the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire: “Education does not change the world; it changes the people who will change the world”.
Leadership, Cybersecurity, and Activism in Fashion
Among the featured speakers was Pablo Vázquez, Secretary of Public Safety for Mexico City, who discussed the importance of cybersecurity in crime prevention. Vázquez emphasized how technology has become a key tool for preventing and combating crime. He noted that the reduction in intentional homicides in the capital has been made possible by improved working conditions for police officers and the implementation of advanced technologies.
Later, Gabriela Ambás, director of the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at the Universidad Panamericana, spoke about activism in the fashion industry. She explained how textile design can serve as a platform to promote social change, citing historical examples such as the clothing worn by women’s suffrage activists in the 1950s.
Inspiration Through Testimonies and Sports
Álvaro Lozano, Episcopal Vicar, shared with us how an encounter with a Red Cross ambulance carrying aid for victims of Hurricanes Ingrid and Manuel inspired him to found Encuentro con México, an organization that supports people living in extreme marginalization so they can start businesses and improve their lives.
His message was a call to be “catalysts for change”, making the most of every encounter, as these can transform lives. The organization’s motto sums up its essence: “The joy of encounter that unites and transforms”.
Finally, Juan Pablo Escobar wrapped up the first day with a moving talk on reconciliation and exceeding expectations. He recounted that his biggest mistake was reacting violently after his father’s death, which led to his exile—an episode that is now a thing of the past.
He also criticized the drug-themed TV series that glorify Pablo Escobar, noting that money, far from giving him freedom, actually took it away from him. In addition, he spoke about his process of reconciliation with the children of his father’s victims, despite his reservations about asking for forgiveness for acts he did not commit.
Youth Engagement and Leadership
On the second day of the conference, the activist Paulina Amozurrutia highlighted the power of young people to transform the world, noting that acknowledging violence is the first step toward bringing about change. She criticized how abuse, injustice, and slavery have become normalized in Mexico, but she also highlighted global examples of activists who are dismantling these structures.
He thus proposed that social participation, information, and shared responsibility are key to moving from individual struggles to a collective movement. “Every action counts, every voice makes a difference; together we can build the country we dream of,”, she said.
Isela Hernández, VP of HR at Nestlé, spoke about personal leadership: “Do you control your life, or do circumstances control you?” she asked the students. She emphasized that fear should drive us, not paralyze us, and introduced Leaders Without Limits, an initiative with Endeavor, L’Oréal, and Microsoft to train young people with a solution-oriented mindset. “Limits are in the mind; your dreams are achievable”, he declared.
Realistic Goals
Next up, the content creators Buscaminas offered a reflection on modern concepts of happiness and personal fulfillment. Using everyday examples, they helped the young people recognize that the people around us are the most genuine source of happiness—not material achievements or extraordinary experiences, which are so heavily promoted by today’s society.
They explained how the aspirations they called P.F.P.F. (Pleasure, Fame, Power, Fortune) become traps that, far from fulfilling us, distance us from a truly fulfilling life—a phenomenon amplified by social media and its constant display of idealized lives. “True abundance does not lie in accumulating spectacular experiences, but in savoring the depth of what is seemingly simple,”, they concluded.
Later, the businessman Arturo Elías Ayubtook the stage and warned young people about the dangers of comparing themselves to unrealistic digital standards: “My social media shows my successes, but they make up only 1% of my reality”, he said.
He also urged young people to believe in themselves and to combine constant preparation with determination. “Get up every morning and believe in yourselves, because that’s how it should be,”, he urged. His philosophy boiled down to three key points: setting priorities for a balanced life, taking risks wisely (“take small steps”) and always maintaining a curiosity to learn.
A Call to Transformative Action
Ignacio Llantada, lead singer of Los Claxons, closed the event with a surprise talk in which he revealed the five pillars that led him to success. Through personal anecdotes and songs, he showed how he overcame prejudices about artistic careers by applying five principles: 1) a clear visualization of the goal, 2) unwavering focus, 3) total commitment to his passion, 4) disciplined work, and 5) enjoying the process.
“My friends with ‘serious’ jobs were skeptical, but today they understand that I followed my heart”, revealed Llantada, who emphasized that true success lies not only in achieving goals, but in daring to make authentic decisions and savoring every step of the journey.
“Act now, make a lasting impact”
During the two-day event of the 16th Youth Congress, students not only heard stories of success and overcoming adversity, but were also challenged to question, take action, and lead. True impact arises when education, values, and action come together to bring about positive change in society.
Learn more about the 16th Youth Congress at: https://congresojovenes16prepasup.com/
