The Interconnected ASEAN Community: YOUth matters

Sheltering between the vivid embrace of the Pacific and Indian oceans. A family that is bound together by history, culture, and a shared desire for development—the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—is the home of ten interconnected countries.

Beyond the initial expectations of its founding fathers, ASEAN, which emerged from conflict in 1967, has become a beacon of regional stability, economic vitality, and cultural integration.

Undeniably, when our current leaders finish their terms, who will fill their positions? Who will continue the regression of the region towards success?

Of course, youth. Yes, youth will always be our answer.

#YOUthMatters

Youth are estimated to make up over 33% of ASEAN’s total population—to reach over 220 million by 2028. Imagine those numbers. Imagine the skills, abilities, and talents that these figures can unravel. Imagine.

It’s indeed happy to see that ASEAN believes in these numbers as well. That’s why we have the ASEAN Foundation, which is evidence of the persistent faith in the abilities of the youth in the region. They nurture youth exchanges, leadership programs, volunteerism opportunities, technological skills training, and social entrepreneurship programs that all contribute to the region's youth empowerment.

“ASEAN is for all of our youth,” Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN highlighted this in his statement last year. He also pointed out that youth must also assist ASEAN concurrently as they will drive and contribute to the ASEAN Agenda.

Youth are the ones who set the direction that drives society in the future.It can be said that they are an important person who influences the changes that will occur in the world. Therefore, ASEAN members consider it important to be able to connect with each other and be able to enable society and countries in ASEAN to develop further.

Phitsukan Chesor, Thailand, OR Seeding The Future Ambassador

Fundamentally, every youth in the region must know that they are part of ASEAN and they should actively participate in various causes that our region is advocating for, even in the simplest way they can.

#YOUthCanDoIt

There is hope for ASEAN's future; the youth are our future’s hope.

As the globe becomes more digitally connected by the day, ASEAN youth are skilled in figuring out the intricacies of technology. They welcome online learning environments, use social media for advocacy and communication, and quickly pick up high-tech skills.

Aside from this 21st century skill, ASEAN's youth are inherently sensitive to cultural subtleties due to multiple ethnic groups, religions, and languages. Through the help of practicing cultural intelligence, they can create understanding, encourage cooperation, and bridge gaps between people.

Drawing from my personal experience as I participated in two ASEAN-related conferences, I’ve witnessed firsthand how youth engagement enhances cultural understanding and strengthens the bonds within our interconnected community. ‘We all speak different languages; we come from diverse backgrounds,’ yet the shared experiences and emotional bonds formed during these exchanges have not only enriched my own life but have also created a strong sense of understanding and unity within ASEAN. Therefore, I believe that the exchange of ideas among young individuals will contribute significantly to the dynamism and growth of the ASEAN region.

Khant Min Thu, Myanmar, Global UGRAD Scholar (2023-2024)

Indeed, they have a strong sense of community despite coming from different origins. They are quick to offer their time and resources to coordinate local events, promote social issues, and work with others on community-beneficial projects.

The Answer

Does YOUth matter in ASEAN? Of course. They’re the ones connecting our communities. They’re filling the gap in the development of our region. And we must always—and forever—show them that they’re loved, valued, accepted, and part of our progress.

ASEAN YOUth, YOU are The Hope. And YOU matter!