BACKGROUND

Youth comprise approximately a third of the combined population of ASEAN, constituting the largest-ever cohort of ASEAN youth. The youth population of the region is projected to peak at over 220 million by 2038. As the region’s future leaders, change-makers, innovators, and influencers, ASEAN’s youth represent both the region’s asset and the hope of tomorrow. However, despite their significant demographic presence and potential, the limited engagement and leadership of youth in addressing pressing regional issues present a significant obstacle to progress. This deficiency stems from several factors, including limited opportunities for youth to showcase their potential and contribute meaningfully to policy discussions and decision-making processes. Additionally, there is a sense of disconnection between youth and leaders, hindering collaboration and consensus-building efforts.

The ASEAN Youth Convergence 2024 (AYC) aims to address these issues by inspiring future leaders through the exemplary journey, achievements, and advocacies of ASEAN Prize Recipients (APRs). By showcasing these role models, the project seeks to instill a sense of aspiration and provide benchmarks for youth leaders to emulate. This inspiration catalyzes increased youth engagement and leadership in addressing pressing regional issues.

The issue of limited youth engagement and leadership affects more than one ASEAN Member State (AMS) and necessitates regional action due to its widespread impact across the region. This demographic group represents a significant portion of each member state’s population. Challenges faced by ASEAN’s youth transcend national borders and require collaborative efforts at the regional level.

As ASEAN aims for greater integration and cooperation, addressing common issues that affect its youth population is essential for fostering unity and solidarity among member states. By tackling this issue collectively, AMSs can harness the potential of its youth generation to drive regional development and prosperity, making it a crucial aspect of ASEAN Cooperation Projects.

In alignment with Activity 4.3.ii under the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021 – 2025, which is to provide platforms for ASEAN youth to voice their aspirations towards ASEAN’s policies and programs, AYC will contribute to the implementation of Programme 4.3. AYC is thus a visionary initiative aiming to inspire, empower, and elevate the capacities of participating youths in fostering the ASEAN spirit and advancing regional cooperation and integration. The convergence is designed to bring together the APRs from 2021 to 2023 and youth delegates from AMSs in a dynamic event, anticipating a diverse assembly of 30 selected youths aged 19 to 35, representing all AMS.

OBJECTIVES

PARTICIPANTS

AYC will gather students and young professionals from AMS. Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam will each have a maximum of three (3) representatives, while Lao PDR will have four (4), and Brunei Darussalam, two (2).

The selection process will ensure a diverse representation and a balanced participation in terms of age and gender. Ideally, one representative each will be selected from the following age groups per country:

• 19 to 23 years old – Undergraduate students
• 24 to 29 years old – Professionals under 30
• 30 to 35 years old – First-time or first-line managers

Interested youths must apply for the program. The following are the minimum qualifications of AYC participants.

• Aged 19 to 35
• Citizen of an AMS
• Full-time student, fresh graduate, or professional
• With a demonstrated interest in regional cooperation, youth leadership, or women empowerment
• Available to attend the event in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from May 19 to 22, 2024
• Committed to attend an online pre-departure meeting on May 13, 2024, and participate in other pre-departure and post-event activities.

The organizers will cover all costs related to event participation, including roundtrip flights, accommodation, meals, and event materials. Successful applicants will be responsible for pre-departure expenses, such as participating in Zoom calls and transportation from their residence to the airport of embarkation, and vice versa.

PROJECT DURATION

March 2024 to June 2024

FORMAT

AYC will revolve around three core themes, namely, regional cooperation, youth leadership and volunteerism, and women empowerment. It consists of three main parts: (i) an online pre-departure delegates meeting, (ii) the ASEAN Prize Symposium 2024, and (iii) a youth conference. The final two parts will be held in Vientiane, Lao PDR from May 20 to 21, 2024.

Download the concept note to learn more about AYC 2024: