In the Latin America and Caribbean region, almost 120 million of the population are young people; 30 million of these live in rural areas and a large percentage is poor.

This event will broaden IFAD’s vision and develop innovative practices to be implemented in future funding to support rural youth involved in microenterprises and agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean, and across the globe.

There will be a moderated panel discussion to consider innovative alternatives and practices featuring young entrepreneurs and private sector representatives currently investing in social development and entrepreneurship. The discussion will focus on identifying effective routes for future public-private collaboration and appropriate support for rural young people to pursue entrepreneurial initiatives, for instance by providing such assets as knowledge, financial services and market access. Topics will include direct capitalization, education, productive alliances and cooperation.

The Latin America and the Caribbean Division will hold discussions with rural young entrepreneurs to listen to their opinions and experiences and find out what has worked for them. This will provide an insight into young people’s demands, needs and aspirations and also a better understanding of how microenterprises play a key role in rural youth empowerment. This information will form the base for creating new tools and mechanisms for rural young people to succeed in their own initiatives.