Washington, D.C. – December 10, 2024 – Today, the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) celebrated the official launch of the Seventh Young Americas Forum in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, marking the path towards the X Summit of the Americas. This event brought together high-level representatives, strategic partners, and young leaders committed to sustainable development, social inclusion, and digital transformation across the Americas.

The launch event began with special addresses from key figures such as H.E. Rubén Arturo Silié, Vice Minister of Multilateral Foreign Policy of the Dominican Republic and Chair of the Summit of the Americas process; Georgina Núñez, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Young Americas Business Trust; and Samuel Pereyra, CEO of BanReservas. These speeches emphasized the importance of youth as a driving force for change in the region and highlighted the forum’s role as a unique platform for dialogue and action.

One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of the Start-Up Challenge 2025, a special initiative within the Talent and Innovation Competitions of the Americas (TIC Americas). This challenge aims to support young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34 and focuses on two main categories: Innovation and Development, targeting the strengthening of productive sectors through sustainable business models, and Digital Transformation, encouraging the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to address local and global challenges.

The collaboration between YABT and Banreservas, announced during the event, bolsters this effort by providing participants financial support, mentorship, and strategic resources. The Start-Up Challenge promotes technological innovation and fosters the inclusion of overseas communities and equal opportunities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Rubén Silié, Vice Minister of Multilateral Foreign Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Coordinator of the X Summit of the Americas, underscored the significance of the Young Americas Forum by stating that it is more than a space for dialogue; it is a call to action to promote entrepreneurship, social innovation, and youth leadership, equipping young people with the tools they need to turn their ideas into tangible projects that improve their communities.

The event concluded by reaffirming the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment. With registrations for the Start-Up Challenge 2025 officially opening on January 15, this initiative promises to serve as a vital platform connecting entrepreneurs with private sector leaders and multilateral organizations, driving solutions with global impact.

For more information about the Seventh Young Americas Forum and the Start-Up Challenge 2025, check out the following video to learn more details: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP1jMZtLWr8.

If you would like additional details, visit our website or contact us at info@yabt.net.

Together, let us continue transforming ideas into actions for the development of the Americas!