Without a doubt, Mexico is a country with the greatest experience in youth-related work. The main reason is that since the middle of the twentieth century, Mexico already had many specialized institutions in this field.  Almost all Latin-American and Caribbean countries have considered the experience of Mexico’s promotional work to be very eloquent samples of their dedication to new generations throughout the course of history.

The most recent stage began with the approval of the Youth Law (la Ley de Juventud) in 1999 which was implemented by the Mexican Youth Institute (IMJ).  It was designed to help with the creation and articulation of plans, programs and projects that work to include public and private institutions.  For this, the IMJ was equipped with some key tools to work dynamically within the generation, and to spread information and knowledge on and for youths, as well as to operate in the field to develop human resources.

One of the first notable steps was the creation of the Center for Studies and Research on Mexican Youth (CIEJUV), which has been responsible for creating a systematic balance of the previous management (1994-2000). In addition, it conducted the National Survey for Mexican Youth (2000), one of the most complete and systematic surveys in the region.  CIEJUV has also been a key member in formulating the National Youth Program (2002-2006), currently at its implementation stage. This program recognizes the rights of young people and their role as strategic players in development.

At the same time, the IMJ conducts systematic actions that encourage the broadening of networks of youth information centers, a network of youth radio program, and other youth initiatives.  Additionally, it regularly promotes various types of contests (that tries to recognize young people in different fields).  The IMJ, together with Youth Power, have carried out campaigns to sensitize the public on what young Mexicans have achieved at all levels.

Currently, besides the continuous work on its rigorous collections of books on youth and its specialized magazine (JOVENes), CIEJUV is working on the Second National Youth Survey (2005), which consist of a systematic monitoring and evaluation of different public policies related to the new generations currently in development, with the objective to finalize another complete management balance in this sixth year.

Read more information about this country in Spanish