International Youth Day Advocate Series: Mey Ling Ho Uniting Panama’s Youth for Healthy Food and Environmental Justice with El Movimiento de Alimentación Saludable

In commemoration of International Youth Day, GHAI’s Food & Nutrition Program is spotlighting advocates empowering youth leaders driving change in their communities through our International Youth Day Advocate Series. Written by the advocates themselves, these stories showcase the passion, creativity and determination of young people advancing healthy food policies around the world. Youth advocacy is essential to building healthier food environments—young leaders bring fresh perspectives, lived experiences and powerful voices that influence decision-makers, inspire their peers and shape the policies that affect their generation and the next.

My role at El Movimiento de Alimentación Saludable is to connect with young people nationwide, including those from urban and rural areas, indigenous communities and individuals with special needs, such as autism. I do not discriminate against anyone based on religion, gender or other characteristics. I've led an alliance of young people in Panama, uniting different groups and promoting health and well-being without exclusion. 

The mission within the organization is to educate, advocate for food and environmental policies, and participate in initiatives that improve quality of life. 

Approximately 30% of Panama's population is young, making youth leadership training and development crucial. When young people advocate for their rights, they have an active voice. If we focus this voice on relevant issues such as health, we can advance toward our main objective of having a healthier generation that can contribute to education and other issues that benefit Panama and its households. 

As I mentioned earlier, the first step is establishing human connections and breaking down barriers of difference. Here, we are all equal, working with one language: safeguarding lives by defending rights. Then, we begin the process of educating and discovering each person's skills to form teams that focus on: 

Advocacy for public policies favoring health, food and the environment; governance; health promotion; defense of consumer rights related to health; participation in awareness campaigns; and various campaigns ranging from physical activity to street campaigns and spokesperson roles. In conclusion, we are action. 

The situation for young people in Panama is very positive and significant. For instance, in 2024, we spearheaded the repeal of a mining-friendly law that had already been passed. This demonstrates the importance of continuing to empower and train leaders on food issues. We are present in every action of the Healthy Food Movement and are deeply committed to achieving our primary health-related objectives. 

Promoting youth participation in working groups, decision-making, nutritional education, communication, governance and other areas is essential to ensuring sustainable, healthy, and accessible food systems in Panama.