El Salvador’s leadership and progress in safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents have earned the country the honor of hosting the 23rd Pan-American Congress of Children and Adolescents. This continental event, organized by the Organization of American States (OAS) through the Inter-American Children’s Institute (IIN), takes place from October 21 to 24.
Delegations from OAS member states will gather to exchange ideas, propose initiatives, and share experiences to further advance the implementation of public policies aimed at promoting the protection, well-being, and rights of young people. Key regional officials and experts in childhood and adolescence will focus discussions on three central themes: early childhood, mental health, and human mobility.
Running alongside the Congress, the 4th Pan-American Forum of Children and Adolescents offers young people from the Americas a platform to participate, share their opinions, and discuss their personal experiences on the agenda’s key topics.
The event has been coordinated in partnership with El Salvador’s Office of the First Lady and the National Council for Early Childhood, Children, and Adolescents (CONAPINA). Linda Amaya de Morán, Executive Director of CONAPINA, highlighted the opportunity to showcase El Salvador’s progress through key initiatives such as the Crecer Juntos (Growing Together) laws and programs like Amor Convertido en Alimento (Love Turned into Nourishment) and Nacer con Cariño (Born with Love). These efforts reflect the nation’s commitment to ensuring the development and protection of its youth.
Karla de Palma, Director General of El Salvador’s Agency for International Cooperation (ESCO), also emphasized the collaborative work across institutions to promote public policies in this sector and the successful organization of the Congress and Forum.
This marks the first time El Salvador has hosted such significant events.