Paraguay’s National Youth Award 2025 has placed the spotlight on a new generation of young people whose work is quietly reshaping their communities through perseverance, creativity, and civic responsibility. Organised by the Secretariat of Youth, the award targets Paraguayans between the ages of 15 and 35. The evaluation committee was composed of representatives from government institutions, academia, the private sector, and civil society.
According to the committee, the participants have demonstrated sustained commitment in areas considered strategic for national development. Rather than rewarding isolated achievements, the selection process prioritised initiatives with continuity, social reach, and the potential to inspire others.
This year’s call drew more than 1,500 applications from across the country. A figure that reflects both the growing visibility of youth-led projects, and a broader shift towards community-oriented leadership among young Paraguayans. Submissions were reviewed through a multi-layered system. The process combined technical scoring with a final collective assessment, allowing evaluators to weigh both measurable outcomes and long-term impact.
Impact beyond recognition
In the sports category, the selected candidates stood out for linking athletic performance with social purpose. Their projects went beyond competition. Candidates used sport as a mechanism for inclusion, discipline, and youth engagement in environments where access to structured activities remains limited.
Those recognised in arts and culture were distinguished by their efforts to revitalise Paraguayan cultural expressions. By adapting traditional forms to contemporary formats, their work has helped bridge generational gaps. Also, expand participation in cultural life, particularly among younger audiences.
The science, technology, and academic merit recipients reflected a strong orientation towards applied knowledge. Their profiles combined academic excellence with practical problem-solving. This way, demonstrating how research and innovation can address local challenges in education, technology, and development.
“A transparent and merit-based project”
In entrepreneurship and economic development, the jury prioritised initiatives that generated tangible economic value while maintaining a social dimension. The awarded projects showed a clear understanding of sustainability, local production, and inclusive growth, reinforcing the role of youth entrepreneurship in strengthening Paraguay’s economy.
Meanwhile, the leadership and community service category highlighted young people whose work is rooted in long-term civic engagement. These initiatives focused on addressing structural needs through volunteerism, organisation, and collaboration, often filling gaps where institutional presence is limited.
The evaluation committee was composed of representatives from government institutions, academia, the private sector, and civil society. This way, the committee ensured a plural and technically grounded assessment. According to the organisers, the process was designed to maintain transparency. While recognising the diversity of paths through which young people contribute to social transformation.
Institutional visibility
Beyond formal recognition, the National Youth Award offers institutional visibility. At the same time, support mechanisms aimed at helping recipients consolidate and expand their work. The awards ceremony, held at the Central Bank of Paraguay, served both as a celebration and a platform for connecting youth initiatives with broader networks.
Rather than presenting youth as future actors, the National Youth Award 2025 underscores a different reality: young Paraguayans are already shaping the present, often through sustained efforts that rarely attract attention but leave lasting marks on their communities.
