The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI) and the Department of Human Development, Education and Employment (DHDEE), convened officials from across the region for the Americas Education Forum Series: "Re-envisioning Active Democratic Participation in School Settings". The forum was held from April 14 to 16, 2026, in Guatemala City.
The event brought together representatives from 18 OAS member states to reflect on regional progress, identify challenges, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen democratic participation and responsible citizenship in school settings.
This forum marks a key milestone in the first year of implementation of the program "Democratic Principles Strengthened through Education and Policy Dialogue" (DEMEP), serving as a platform to bridge the gap between policy design and on-the-ground implementation.
The gathering was inaugurated by Anabella Giracca, Minister of Education of Guatemala, who underscored the central role of education in nurturing committed, democratic citizens:
"Guatemala is making great efforts to safeguard democracy… the practices we are witnessing in the political sphere and in civic participation bring color and life to democracy; they give it a face and a voice. And when we spoke of strengthening public education, that is precisely what we meant: an education system capable of shaping citizens committed to democracy."
The importance of sustained collaboration was emphasized by Jesús Giacoman Zapata, Director of DHDEE, who noted: "Over the past year, through the DEMEP program, we have worked together to explore how education systems can better promote democratic participation and responsible citizenship… this process has generated rich dialogue, practical insights, and a growing community of committed actors… The ideas, recommendations, and shared vision developed here will serve as a foundation for future efforts, including the strengthening of regional cooperation platforms and follow-up mechanisms."
Cecilia Martins, OAS Education Specialist, presented the key results and lessons learned from activities implemented under the four pillars of the DEMEP program-strengthening public policies, curriculum processes, installed institutional capacity development, and youth engagement-with participation from 28 OAS Member states. The presentation provided a strong conceptual and methodological foundation for discussions aimed at fostering deeper reflection and contributions, generating concrete policy and programmatic recommendations, and strengthening the regional commitment required to advance active civic engagement, building from the local to the hemispheric level.
The OAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states in advancing democratic participation in education through continued dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of regional cooperation mechanisms.
This activity was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Permanent Mission of the United States to the OAS.
Reference: E-046/26
