At just 26 years old, Juan Martín Alonso Decoud, has become a compelling voice for Latin American youth in the global digital landscape: Hailing from Asunción, the international relations professional and law student has been named the first-ever Paraguayan Youth Envoy for the ITU’s Generation Connect initiative. His subsequent selection was for the prestigious “30 Under 30 Internet Governance List.”
Generation Connect is the global youth initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for digital technologies. The 30 Under 30 Internet Governance List honours 30 emerging leaders under age 30 for their outstanding contributions to Internet governance, which encompasses the policies, norms, and processes that shape how the Internet is managed, accessed, and used worldwide.
Recognition, and the rise of Latin America
Alonso Decoud was deeply honoured by his selection. A process initiated by a nomination from the ITU itself. He received the confirmation shortly before the public announcement at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm, Norway.
“I feel seen, recognised, and deeply grateful, as if all the efforts and sacrifices made along the way were not unnoticed. The recognition brings visibility not only to me as a young advocate, but also to Paraguay, as a country capable of producing leaders in the technological and digital fields.”
The list’s composition has 15 of the 30 honourees hailing from Latin America. This sends a powerful signal. “It tells me that Latin America is rising, that our region is no longer just participating, but leading. Our experiences, ideas, and solutions are now being valued globally.”
“I see Paraguay as a technological hub in the near future. We have the perfect conditions, clean and sustainable energy, low taxes, and, most importantly, talented and capable people preparing to face the challenges of the digital era.”
Juan Martín Alonso Decoud’s journey
His journey is marked by representing Paraguay in key international forums. The first one is The United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies (ITU). The second is the Organisation of American States (OAS). Juan Martín recently culminated with two significant global recognition. Alonso Decoud has used the knowledge learned at Paraguay’s National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) to bridge national efforts with international cooperation. He focused primarily on digital inclusion and youth empowerment.
The path to global leadership
Working in International and Interinstitutional Management at CONATEL since 2020, Alonso Decoud views digital tools not as mere technology, but as opportunities to showcase capacity and aspiration, regardless of one’s origin.
“I applied to Generation Connect because I wanted to bring Paraguay’s voice to the global conversation,” he explains. “The process is about daring. You must believe that your ideas have value and that your background is not a limit but a strength.”
He sees his achievement as a vital message for others in the region. “Every young person from Paraguay or Latin America can climb these layers if they believe, prepare, and take every opportunity seriously.”
Championing the youth perspective
As a Youth Envoy for Generation Connect, Juan Martín Alonso Decoud operates as a consultative agent. He is ensuring the youth perspective is brought directly into the decision-making spaces of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
“This work has great impact because it represents the voice of the biggest group of digital technology users in the world: young people,” he asserts. “We make sure that policies and global digital initiatives include youth, not as future leaders, but as current partners in shaping a better connected and more inclusive world.”
His passion is deeply rooted in service. “What wakes me up every morning is the awareness of the opportunity I am living… What drives me is the mission of opening doors that others can later walk through.”
Building the future with Ñanduti Tech and Mbarete IA
Looking ahead, Juan Martín Alonso Decoud is not slowing down. He envisions Paraguay as a “technological hub” soon, citing the country’s clean energy, low taxes, and talented populace as ideal conditions. He is actively building this future through two flagship projects: Ñanduti Tech and Mbarete IA.
Named after the Guaraní word for “web” or “network,” Ñanduti Tech aims to replicate opportunities and share knowledge by interweaving connections between youth and technology. Its first pilot is reaching over 300 young people across three countries: Paraguay, Brazil, and Tanzania. The main focus is on practical digital skills, safe usage, and accessing remote jobs. The project is made in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation and Global Impact Foundation.
The first offline artificial intelligence system in the Americas
His “most ambitious project,” Mbarete IA, is currently in development. The project is being designed as the first offline artificial intelligence system in the Americas. The goal is to empower underserved communities with reliable, human-centred technology based on the principle of an AI that assists, never replaces, people.
Juan Martín Alonso Decoud ultimate vision is one of service and leadership, combining diplomacy and technology. His advice to the next generation is simple yet profound: “Use technology with purpose. Be brave, be ethical, and stay humble. Faith will give you strength, discipline will give you direction, and service will give meaning to everything you achieve.”
