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Until very recently, Sebastian was the Chair of the YPARD Steering Committee. He now transitions into the GCU team with a strong commitment to supporting the network’s sustainability in a more hands-on role.
Sebastian joined YPARD in 2019 as a member of the Steering Committee, later assuming the role of Chair. During his time serving alongside the other members of the Steering Committee, he was part of some of the most significant moments for the organization. This included appointing new staff members including the Director, and the network’s transition to becoming an independent, legally constituted organization, characterized by his leadership, passion, and commitment to the network.
In this new position, Sebastian will be leading advocacy and policy efforts, working with the policy working group, and developing strategy for international climate policy and food systems events. He will also be leading fundraising efforts, connecting with new partners, identifying new funding opportunities, and developing YPARD's funding strategy in collaboration with the SC and GCU.
“It has not been an easy decision, but it is the best one for the organization. In this role, I will have the opportunity, together with the GCU, to lay the foundations for the future sustainability of YPARD and continue to use my experience and talent in the service of young people working in food systems, under the leadership of our SC and our Director," Sebastian reflected.
Sebastian brings to the team more than 12 years of experience working with youth, food systems, and multilateral organizations. Along with working in the GCU, he will continue his role as the Regional Coordinator of YPARD Latin America and the Caribbean, leading a team of professional leaders with whom he has expanded YPARD's work in the region to more than 10 countries, positioning the organization as a benchmark in youth and food systems work, working together with different youth organizations, governments, cooperation agencies, and United Nations agencies.
With a background in Political Science and ICT, Sebastian also has experience in project management and public policy for rural development. For more than 10 years, he has had the opportunity to participate in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of different projects in Colombia and other Latin American countries, working with international organizations such as IFAD, IICA, and the European Commission, and has spoken at various international conferences around the world. In 2021, Sebastian was recognized as one of the 12 young changemakers by the Kofi Annan Foundation.
During his years of experience, Sebastian helped develop the National Network of Rural Youth in Colombia and replicate it in several central American countries. With YPARD LAC, he also led the creation of the Latin American Youth Coalition for Rural Development, a meeting place for youth organizations and allied organizations. As part of the YPARD LAC team, Sebastian has been involved in developing various policy papers and manifestos, which have been presented at several international events such as COP28, COP16, and COP30.
Sebastian will continue working from Latin America and the Caribbean, and expand his experience and knowledge to the global YPARD network to bring the voices of young people to decision-making spaces and mobilize resources for the transformation of food systems.
