Month: January 2025

Introduction Why is Youth participation vital for fostering a resilient and inclusive ASEAN future? To answer this question, we all know that young people bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to address critical matters like unemployment, environmental sustainability, and education reform. Their adaptability to technology and global trends positions them as key drivers of regional development. Platforms like the ASEAN Youth Forum and organizations such as the ASEAN Youth Organization empower youth to engage in policymaking and community initiatives. These spaces amplify their voices, promote inclusivity, and bridge gaps across ASEAN's diverse cultural, economic, and political landscapes. Profile of ASEAN Young Leaders Young people make up over 30% of Europe's and 34% of ASEAN's population, with ASEAN's youth projected to exceed 220 million by 2038. They drive change but also face challenges like climate change and unemployment. In April 2022, the EU and ASEAN launched the Young Leaders Forum, selecting 90 leaders aged 20 to 35. This platform enabled them to share ideas and shape ASEAN-EU relations. Profile Statistics of ASEAN-EU Young Leaders The ASEAN Young Leaders profile reveals diverse demographics, with 36% aged 18–25, 30% in the 26–30 range, and 24% in the 31–35 group. Gender participation is nearly balanced (46% female, 48% male). Leaders are active in fields like policy analysis, international relations, and sustainable development, with many in graduate or student roles. Countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar are well-represented, alongside European peers, underscoring the crucial role youth play in shaping ASEAN’s future through inclusive governance and sustainable development. Youth-Led Success Stories ASEAN Youth Social Journalism Contest (AYSJ 2023)The AYSJ Contest highlights how youth address community issues through storytelling. In 2023, winners from the Philippines launched #ClimateResilientIslandsPH, reaching over 140,000 people to improve disaster preparedness. Teams from Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos tackled issues like nutrition and sanitation, demonstrating the youth-led advocacy. Representatives of government bodies, civil society, academia, and the private sector gather for a group photo to mark the launch of the campaign in Vientiane on Jan 22, 2025. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN Climate Exchange Campaign in LaosLaunched in 2022, this initiative mobilized youth to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable consumption. Supported by the EU and partners, it engaged young "Climate Responders" in driving environmental awareness through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Reference The Star. (23/01/25). Youth-led climate campaign launched to tackle environmental challenges in Laos: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/01/23/youth-led-climate-campaign-launched-to-tackle-environmental-challenges-in-laosU.S. Mission to ASEAN. (02/02/24). ELEVATING YOUTH VOICES IN ASEAN – 2023 ASEAN YOUTH SOCIAL JOURNALISM CONTEST: https://asean.usmission.gov/elevating-youth-voices-in-asean-2023-asean-youth-social-journalism-contest/The ASEAN. (23/3/2023). The Youth are the Future of Today: https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/the-youth-are-the-future-of-today-6-months-6-themes-90-youth-a-contribution-to-asean-eu-relations/

Month: January 2025

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