Arequipa youth face leadership training amid rising unemployment

Arequipa faces a complex landscape for its youth, characterized by both leadership development initiatives and significant employment challenges. The first replica of CADE Escolar is scheduled for September 5 at the Universidad Católica San Pablo. Co-organized by IPAE Acción Empresarial, the event will bring together high school students from 10 regional institutions to focus on leadership, responsible information sharing, and the role of entrepreneurship in national development.

In contrast to these developmental efforts, economic data from INEI at the end of 2025 indicates a high youth unemployment rate in Arequipa of 10.7%, significantly higher than the regional average of 6.7%. Experts attribute this disparity to limited private investment and a lack of new job creation. Additionally, a mismatch exists between academic training and the specific competencies demanded by the labor market, creating a barrier for recent graduates who struggle to secure entry-level positions due to a lack of prior experience.