Brazilian sociologist Alexandre Pupo Quintino has been elected by consensus to serve as the new Secretary General of the Ibero-American Youth Organization (OIJ) for the 2025-2030 term. The election took place today, December 13th, during the 23rd Conference of Youth Ministers and Officials in Madrid, marking a historic moment as this is the first time a Brazilian has been appointed to the position.
At just 31 years old, Quintino’s appointment highlights his prominent role in youth movements and his dedication to advocating for young people’s participation in decision-making processes. With a background in law and social sciences, Quintino also holds a master’s degree in sociology from the University of São Paulo. He currently serves as an advisor at the Special Advisory Office of the President of the Republic in Brazil.
A Historic Milestone for Brazil and Ibero-America
The Ibero-American Youth Organization (OIJ), headquartered in Madrid, is a key international body dedicated to fostering cooperation on youth issues across the Ibero-American region, which spans Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. The organization serves as a bridge between governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote youth development and inclusion, particularly through the Ibero-American Youth Pact.
Quintino’s election is a significant achievement for Brazil and underscores the country’s growing influence in Ibero-American initiatives. As the first Brazilian to lead the OIJ, Quintino’s appointment reflects Brazil’s commitment to empowering youth and ensuring that their voices are heard in the shaping of future policies.
In his speech following his election, Quintino expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to work alongside the OIJ’s diverse members. “This is a moment of great significance, not only for me personally but for the thousands of young people across Ibero-America. I am committed to working collaboratively with all member states to ensure that youth issues remain at the forefront of our agendas, and to create a future where young people are true agents of change,” he stated.
A Commitment to Youth Participation
The OIJ, established within the Ibero-American space, has been a driving force in raising the profile of youth issues in the region. Through various initiatives, the organization works to include young people in the design and implementation of policies that impact their futures, emphasizing the importance of youth in democratic governance and social development.
With Quintino’s appointment, Brazil continues to underscore its commitment to engaging young people in decision-making forums. The Brazilian government has long championed youth participation as a vital tool for fostering social cohesion, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. In his new role, Quintino aims to further these goals by advocating for the inclusion of youth perspectives in all matters related to policy and governance within the Ibero-American region.
As Secretary General, Quintino’s leadership is expected to focus on advancing youth rights, expanding education opportunities, and promoting economic empowerment for young people, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Quintino’s experience in youth advocacy and his work on youth-oriented public policy in Brazil will be instrumental in guiding the OIJ’s efforts over the next five years.
Strengthening Ibero-American Ties
The election of Alexandre Pupo Quintino to the General Secretariat of the OIJ is a testament to Brazil’s active engagement in fostering strong relations within the Ibero-American community. Quintino’s leadership will undoubtedly reinforce the organization’s role in facilitating collaboration between Ibero-American countries on critical issues such as employment, climate change, digital transformation, and education.
Quintino’s appointment also reflects Brazil’s broader vision of creating an inclusive and sustainable future for youth across the region. By working closely with the OIJ, he aims to ensure that young people not only have access to opportunities but are empowered to influence the policies that shape their futures.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has congratulated Quintino on his election and expressed full support for his leadership of the OIJ. This appointment is seen as an important step in Brazil’s long-standing commitment to regional cooperation and youth development in Ibero-America.
Looking Forward
As Alexandre Pupo Quintino prepares to take up his new role, he has expressed his determination to work with the diverse stakeholders of the OIJ to create a unified strategy that addresses the challenges facing young people today. With a focus on inclusive policies, human rights, and economic empowerment, Quintino’s leadership promises to help shape a more equitable and sustainable future for the next generation in the Ibero-American region.