The commemorative event, hosted at Espacio Rastro de Madrid, brought together institutional representatives and social agents dedicated to youth participation. A dialogue panel featured notable figures such as the Minister of Youth and Childhood, Sira Rego, and the Director of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation, Antón Leis.
Nuria Ruiz, a former member of the RSJ and current volunteer for Entreculturas, shared her valuable experience. Her involvement highlighted the RSJ's 25-year trajectory as a crucial platform for youth participation and a catalyst for social transformation, promoting values like solidarity, equality, feminism, and human rights defense.
“"If you don't have knowledge about a topic, it's difficult to act upon it. The Network helped me to inform myself, analyze, and reflect until I built my own vision."
In a social context marked by polarization, the organization emphasized the critical role of active and committed youth in combating racism, xenophobia, and hate speech. Ruiz stressed the importance of education and critical awareness in building genuine social commitment.
The teacher also noted how her time with the organization marked a turning point in her life, enabling her to understand global issues and develop a lasting involvement. More than a decade after her time in the youth network, Nuria Ruiz, now a teacher and volunteer, remains connected to Entreculturas, advocating for the importance of new generations' actions.
“"It is dangerous to remain silent, because not speaking is accepting what is said. Faced with injustices, it is easier to stay quiet and agree, however, it is necessary to raise our voices to stop inequalities."
The event also conveyed a clear message: countering narratives that portray youth as individualistic or disengaged from social commitment, the Youth Solidarity Network stands as a model of collective organization, active participation, and defense of democratic values. After a quarter-century, Entreculturas reaffirms its dedication to fostering sustained youth participation to cultivate critical awareness and promote a citizenry committed to building a more just world.
