Guatemala has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in all of Latin America. According to the National Survey on Maternal Health, one in five adolescents between 15-19 years old already has given birth or is currently pregnant. With limited access to sex education and numerous barriers to access services, young people are assuming the responsibility to inform their peers about important information that can increase knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and contraception, and ultimately reduce adolescent pregnancy. Young people who have faced challenges accessing sexual health information and services have created innovative proposals in order to overcome these barriers. Their answers include a range of support, from the use of popular education to promote youth empowerment to tapping into digital platforms and instant messaging to reach youth online. Speakers will share how young people have converted these ideas to concrete actions that are transforming the panorama of sexual and reproductive health for future generations in Guatemala.

Note: A buffet lunch will be provided to the first 40 participants attending this session. Additional seating is available without food.