## Youth and Open State
On August 12, we celebrated International Youth Day, a significant moment to consider the critical role young people play in shaping our nation’s future. This day is not only a celebration of youth’s potential as agents of change but also a reminder that this demographic has unique needs and challenges that must be addressed.
Being young means living in a world teeming with possibilities, where curiosity and energy pave the way for change and innovation. Young people’s ability to question the *status quo* and propose creative solutions to societal issues is essential for envisioning a more just, inclusive, and transparent future. The youth carry the potential to dream and the drive to pursue those dreams tirelessly.
Moreover, this life stage is characterized by an extraordinary capacity to adapt to change—an attribute crucial in our constantly evolving world. Supporting young people is not just about acknowledging their current potential; it is about investing in the human capital that will define the future of our societies and nation. Therefore, youth represent both the promise of tomorrow and a reflection of what we have built today.
The National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information, and Protection of Personal Data (INAI) places significant emphasis on including this population segment in transparency efforts. Through projects like “Open Society,” recognized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Academic Network for Open Government (RAGA), INAI seeks to educate and empower young people on their roles in a democratic society.
This initiative’s importance lies not just in constructing knowledge but also in its broad reach, collaborating with over 50 higher education institutions across 26 federal entities. This initiative has engaged over 17,000 university community members through University Weeks for Transparency, highlighting its magnitude and potential impact on restoring youth’s trust in authorities and democracy.
The aim is to build an Open State in Mexico, genuinely serving its citizens, with youth at the forefront of this transformation. Young people are demanding more effective and transparent policies, translating into better opportunities.
A famous quote attributed to Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain resonates deeply here: “The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.” As we celebrate International Youth Day this month, we reiterate the call for young people to take on this role with vigor and determination, guiding our society towards a more just and transparent future.
**Adrián Alcalá Méndez is from Baja California and serves as the President Commissioner of INAI.**
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**Mexico Youth Demand Greater Transparency and Inclusivity**
As part of the ongoing efforts to increase transparency, Mexico continues to focus on youth engagement in political and social spheres. Recent surveys indicate that young Mexicans are increasingly vocal about the need for transparency and anti-corruption measures.
In a report by the Transparency International, Mexico ranked 124 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2023. Many young activists argue that more inclusive policies and educational initiatives are crucial steps in combating corruption. These youths are working through organized movements and social media campaigns to hold governmental institutions accountable.
Organizations like *Somos Futuro*, an independent youth-led nonprofit, have been instrumental in pushing for legislative changes to ensure more transparent governance. They are advocating for reformative actions such as transparent budgeting, public access to governmental proceedings, and strict anti-corruption laws.
The youth in Mexico are not just passive observers but are taking active roles as watchdogs, pushing for change that promises a brighter and more honest future for the nation. The International Youth Day celebrations of this year highlighted their relentless efforts and unwavering commitment to making Mexico a better place for all its citizens.