Juan Diego Vásquez Gutiérrez is the youngest member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Panama. Elected at the age 22, he is the first independent and youngest MP for his home district, San Miguelito, and was the most voted and youngest candidate nationwide. He was the first leader of the independent caucus and has participated in Committees concerning Human Rights, Judiciary, Local Government, National Security, Education, and Women's Rights.
A former civil society activist who has advocated fiercely against corruption and in favour of human rights for people with disabilities, Juan has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most influential political leaders of the country. In 2019 he was invited by UNESCO to the high-level panel on Youth Perspectives on Multilateralism, alongside chiefs of states and governments from all over the world.
Amongst his achievements, he has managed to pass legislation to modernise civil defence in Panama, a bill to defend the rights of domestic animals against cruelty, a law to promote the participation of young people in civic and academic organisations, and recent legislation to recognise the rights of nature which has been a breakthrough that has put Panama as one of the few countries in the world with legislation that protects the environment. He is currently leading and organizing many young independent candidates for the 2024 General Election, hoping to get more young leaders elected to public office.
