Against a backdrop of political fragmentation — with more than 36 parties heading into one of the most complex electoral processes in Peru’s recent history — and declining youth interest in politics, a high-level event titled Democratic Resilience and Youth Leadership: Reflections for Peru’s Future was organized by Aspire alumni in Peru and held on February 7. The gathering brought together representatives from international embassies, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), youth organizations, Aspire’s alumni community, and former President Francisco Sagasti to reflect on youth leadership.
The initiative was hosted by Aspire Institute’s Public Policy Domain and led by Peruvian alumna Andrea Araujo Muñoa at the Faculty of Economic Engineering, Statistics, and Social Sciences of the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería.
The forum placed particular emphasis on the situation of young people. Recent studies indicate that only 14% of the population reports involvement in political affairs, while youth interest in politics has declined from levels close to 70% in 2021 to less than 50% today. In addition, more than 2.5 million young citizens are expected to vote for the first time in the upcoming elections, making them a key demographic for the country’s democratic future.
This context is further compounded by rising youth migration, reflecting not only the search for better opportunities but also growing disenchantment with a system perceived as unresponsive. The sustained departure of young people during critical stages of education and professional development represents a risk of talent drain and loss of social capital, directly affecting leadership renewal and institutional strengthening.
In response, the event sought to promote dialogue, strengthen civic participation, and mobilize new generations, underscoring the value of ethical leadership, global education, and public service as essential tools for contributing to democratic resilience and national development. The event featured contributions from the Embassies of the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as representatives of Fundación Carolina Perú (Spain), who shared perspectives on International Education and Public Leadership: Developing Global Talent to Strengthen the Country of Origin. Participation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) further enriched the discussion.
Former President of Peru Francisco Sagasti led the keynote session on Democratic Resilience and Youth Leadership, inspiring young Peruvians to embrace an ethical commitment to public service and to place their education and skills at the service of the country.
The forum was made possible through the logistical and collaborative support of several Peruvian youth organizations: Empodérate Vecino(a), dedicated to strengthening effective civic participation among vulnerable populations in emerging communities; Gobernabilidad y Democracia, a research and dialogue space specializing in public policy and collective action; Giovanni Sartori, an academic workshop focused on democracy and political institutions; and Sile Perú, a youth organization engaged in leadership, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building. The coffee break was kindly supported by UNI professor Kelly Alfaro and Jimmy Espinoza, CEO of Gurú Motivación.
The response exceeded expectations: more than 900 registrations were recorded in Peru in less than three days. Over 160 participants attended in person across two auditoriums, while 250 joined virtually.
This event marks a milestone for the global Aspire Alumni Community, representing the first time a former president has participated as a speaker at an event organized by the network.
