From voting to agency: the real challenge of youth participation

Colombia's recent presidential election marked a historic milestone with record voter turnout, according to official figures released by the National Registrar. In the second round of voting held in 2026, 63.3% of eligible voters cast their ballots, a figure unprecedented in the country’s history. This surge in participation occurred amid a deeply polarized political landscape and a national context defined by uncertainty and confrontation. The high turnout reflects a broad commitment among Colombian citizens to democratic processes, even under conditions of institutional distrust and political apathy. The results suggest that a larger proportion of young voters, those aged 18 to 28—may have been more engaged than previously assumed. This hypothesis is supported by findings from the Jóvenes en Sociedad survey published early in 2026, which indicates that 61% of young respondents view democracy as important, despite only 20% expressing satisfaction with its current functioning. Rather than rejecting democratic principles outright, many young Colombians appear to distinguish between the value of democracy itself and the perceived shortcomings of its implementation today. According to the survey, youth engagement tends to rise when they perceive decisions being made directly affecting their present and future. While this increased involvement during elections is encouraging, experts emphasize that sustained democratic vitality requires more than periodic mobilization. The real challenge lies in creating lasting mechanisms through which young people can influence policy, participate in governance, and maintain meaningful dialogue with institutions. A robust democracy is not built solely on election day, but rather in the spaces between elections. This perspective shifts the focus from merely increasing voter numbers to fostering environments where young people feel empowered to shape their communities continuously. The concept of “agency” has emerged as central to this discussion, referring to the ability of young individuals to envision possible futures, make informed choices, collaborate with others, and translate aspirations into tangible actions. In cities such as Barranquilla, Bogotá, and Yumbo, initiatives led by organizations like Fundación Corona demonstrate how youth agency can be cultivated. Through partnerships with public and private entities, these programs support young people in organizing civic deliberation spaces, influencing public agendas, contributing to policy design, leading transformation projects within educational institutions, promoting urban appropriation efforts, launching socially purpose-driven ventures, and building cross-regional collaboration networks. From these experiences, three key insights have emerged regarding youth participation: how it emerges, how it sustains itself, and what conditions are necessary for its growth. One lesson learned is that youth participation thrives when there are opportunities for autonomous action and when young people see themselves as active participants in shaping societal change. Another insight highlights the importance of continuous engagement beyond electoral cycles, ensuring that young voices remain integral to ongoing political discourse and decision-making processes. These developments underscore the potential for a new generation of Colombian citizens who are not only more politically aware but also actively seeking ways to contribute meaningfully to their nation’s future. As institutions and civil society continue to explore methods of inclusion and empowerment, the path forward will depend on whether these initial signs of increased youth involvement evolve into enduring patterns of civic engagement.