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 project aims to address these issues by inspiring future leaders through the exemplary journey, achievements, and advocacies of 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 and necessitates regional action due to its widespread impact across the ASEAN region. This demographic group represents a significant portion of each member state’s population. Therefore, any 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, AMS 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 programmes, this activity will contribute to the implementation of Programme 4.3.
The ASEAN Youth Convergence 2024 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 ASEAN Prize Recipients (APRs) from 2021 to 2023 and youth delegates from ASEAN Member States (AMS) in a dynamic event, anticipating a diverse assembly of 30 selected youths aged 19 to 35, representing all AMS.
- Inspire Future Leaders: Showcase the exemplary journey, achievements, and advocacies of APRs, fostering inspiration and serving as benchmarks for youth leaders.
- Promote Civic Engagement: Encourage youth to take action on issues that matter to their communities, contributing to transformative and meaningful change.
- Foster Stakeholder Understanding: Provide participants with a hands-on experience in understanding stakeholder dynamics, effective communication, and consensus-building.
Qualifications
The ASEAN Youth Convergence will gather students and professionals, ensuring diverse representation across age groups and genders. Interested individuals should meet the following qualifications:
- 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 (tentative), and participate in other pre-departure and post-event activities.
How to apply
- Access the application form here: https://bit.ly/ASEANYouthConvergenceApplication
- Fill out the online application form and submit on or before April 7, 2024, 11:59 PM (Bangkok Time)
- The organizers will announce the successful applicants by April 16, 2024.
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.
This application will require at least three (3) essay responses and uploading of documents, including copy of passport and updated CV.
Your privacy is important to us. When you apply for the ASEAN Youth Convergence 2024, we collect basic personal information such as your name, contact details, and demographic data. This information is solely used for the selection process and communication purposes. We will not share your data with third parties without your consent. By submitting an application, you consent to the collection and use of your data for event-related purposes.
For clarifications or concerns, contact Mr. Eastword Manlises of Mekong Institute at eastword@mekonginstitute.org
Online Pre-Departure Delegates Meeting: May 13, 2024 via Zoom
ASEAN Youth Convergence: May 19 to 22, 2024 l Vientiane, Lao PDR
The event consists of three main parts: a Pre-Convergence Activity, a Symposium, and a Youth Conference.
Pre-Convergence Activity (Online) – 13 May 2024
———————————-
A. Meet and Greet
Youth delegates will be convened online for a meet-and-greet session. They will be provided with instructions, including their pre-event assignment, administrative reminders, and logistical notes for their participation in the event. It is a chance for participants to break the ice, establish initial connections, and foster a sense of community or camaraderie.
B. Introduction to “Letters to Leaders”
Youth delegates will be encouraged to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and concerns directly to influential leaders within the ASEAN community. The exercise aims to open doors for networking and collaboration between the younger generation and established leaders, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for regional development.
ASEAN Prize Symposium 2024 – 20 May 2024
———————————-
The activity will coincide with the ASEAN Prize Symposium 2024, allowing youth delegates to participate in a broader discourse.
The ASEAN Prize Symposium is a flagship programme aimed at promoting the ASEAN Prize and its role in fostering ASEAN Community building. This year, the event intends to bring together ASEAN Prize Recipients (APRs) from 2021 to 2023 in a discussion platform for showcasing their exemplary contributions and sharing their journey and aspirations upon receiving the ASEAN Prize.
ASEAN Prize Symposium 2024 will highlight and share the respective achievements and advocacies of the APRs, serving as inspirational benchmarks and guiding principles for the targeted audiences, including professionals, academicians/ think tanks, organizations and entities, business communities, media as well as aspiring youth leaders. This platform encourages emulation and introspection, allowing participants and emerging leaders to draw valuable insights and take stock of the impactful contributions made by the APRs in their respective fields.
Youth Conference – 21 May 2024
———————————-
The conference, happening a day after the ASEAN Prize Symposium 2024, will feature interactive exercises including the following:
A. Lightning Talks: This segment will provide a platform for concise, impactful presentations by the APRs on their expertise/advocacy. Diverse topics are covered, offering a snapshot of insights and ideas.
B. ASEAN Café: Following the Lightning Talks, participants move to the ASEAN Café area for networking and interactive discussions. The ASEAN Café provides an informal space for participants to digest the insights from the Lightning Talks and engage in deeper conversations.
C. Stakeholder Engagement Exercise: The Stakeholder Engagement Exercise within the Youth Convergence aims to provide participants with a hands-on experience in understanding and navigating the complexities of stakeholder relationships. By immersing themselves in various roles, participants will gain insights into the perspectives of different stakeholders, fostering empathy, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
D. Letters to Leaders Showcase: The Letters to Leaders Showcase provides a tangible and impactful way to bring the voices of the youth to the forefront of the conference. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the youth’s concerns, aspirations, and perspectives within the ASEAN community.