From October 1 to 10, the FP2030 LAC Hub team had the privilege of traveling to Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala for strategic meetings and to participate in the Central American Donors Forum (CADF). Our Regional Director for LAC, María Paula Martínez, and Communications Officer, Natalia de León, were joined by Dr. Samukeliso Dube, FP2030’s Executive Director. Between October 1 and 3, the FP2030 LAC Hub team met with key actors to strengthen collaborations and address crucial topics in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Meetings were held with UNFPA, which works on improving reproductive health services, and the Inter-American Development Bank, focusing on sustainable development and poverty reduction. Discussions with the World Bank revolved around health project financing. Additionally, we exchanged ideas with Esmeralda from the Association Las Crisálidas, which promotes women’s rights.
We also visited the Association for Family Wellbeing (APROFAM), committed to family health and SRHR, and engaged with the Presidential Secretariat for Women, which promotes gender equity policies. A working dinner with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and a visit to the Ministry of Health concluded our agenda. The meeting with the Ministry focused on implementing strategies to reduce maternal mortality, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in addressing critical health challenges in Guatemala and the region.
During the October 7-9 forum, FP2030 LAC Hub participated in panels addressing key topics for Guatemala and the region. The plenary “Defending Democracy in Guatemala” highlighted the fragility of democracy and the need for joint mobilization of various sectors, including Indigenous leaders and the international community. In the panel “Redefining History: Latin American Trans Men Speak,” the discussion focused on the historical roots of transmasculine activism and its link to feminism, emphasizing the importance of continued support for this movement. The session “Young Voices Breaking Taboos in Sexual and Reproductive Health” emphasized the need to include youth perspectives in SRHR discussions, showing how their involvement can challenge stigmas and foster more inclusive dialogues.
FP2030 LAC Hub also strengthened ties with several Guatemalan organizations working on SRHR and community empowerment. Fundación Oxlajuj N’oj promotes health and well-being for Indigenous populations, focusing on comprehensive care and rights respect. Tan Ux’il defends human rights and provides training to youth, fostering active participation in decision-making. Jóvenes por el Cambio empowers Guatemalan youth through leadership and social action, particularly using sports like boxing. Centro Maya plays a crucial role in promoting comprehensive health and sustainable development for Mayan communities, while OSAR Guatemala focuses on educating and raising awareness about SRHR, ensuring that young people have access to the information necessary to make informed decisions through accurate data.
Key Lessons from CADF
👉🏽 Youth empowerment was a central theme, particularly in areas like SRHR, social justice, and climate action, with several panels emphasizing the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes.
👉🏽 Inclusivity in development efforts for marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ communities, Indigenous populations, trans men, and women, was emphasized, highlighting the need to consider cultural diversity for effective strategies.
👉🏽 Collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and the private sector were presented as essential to addressing poverty reduction, education, and healthcare access.
👉🏽 Environmental sustainability was a key focus, with leaders advocating for climate adaptation strategies tailored to Central America’s challenges and emphasizing green investments and technological innovations.
👉🏽 Social innovation projects that leverage technology to tackle challenges like healthcare access and education were showcased as part of the region’s development.
👉🏽 The intersection of SRHR and migration, particularly in the LAC region, was discussed, highlighting the importance of organizations working at the Guatemala-Mexico border and how migration, driven by climate crises and fragile democracies, continues to affect the region.
