ASEAN Ministers Emphasize Youth Empowerment for Regional Unity and Progress
Empowering ASEAN Youth for a Cohesive Society
During the Thirteenth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting onYouth (AMMY XIII) held virtually on Saturday, ministers from ASEAN member states and Plus Three Countries reaffirmed their commitment to empowering young people as catalysts for innovation and unity across the region.
“Education has the transformative power to open minds and hearts, foster values of respect, tolerance, and solidarity,” stated Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
He stressed the importance of high-quality education systems that equip young ASEAN citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to seize opportunities both now and in the future. Expanding education to encompass cultural, historical, and social understanding within ASEAN fosters empathy, laying the foundation for a united society.
The minister also highlighted the need for young people to actively participate in addressing global challenges such as climate change and poverty through collaboration and shared experiences. Strengthening support for youth-led initiatives and exchange programmes is vital. These programs enhance leadership skills and promote unity across the region.
Recognizing the vast potential of young people in harnessing technology, particularly artificial intelligence and global networks, Minister Mohamad emphasized that these tools empower youth to drive positive change and regional transformation.
Tackling Youth Unemployment Through Entrepreneurship
Marine Resources Environment
Addressing the issue of youth unemployment, Minister Mohamad proposed promoting youth entrepreneurship by establishing a supportive ecosystem. This ecosystem requires improvements in digital platforms, expanded market access,
and the provision of financing, mentorship, and incubation centers specifically designed to support youth-led small and medium enterprises.
Joint Statement Underscores ASEAN’s Commitment to Youth
During the meeting, ASEAN member states ministers and those from Plus Three Countries in charge of youth agreed on a Joint Ministerial Statement for AMMY XIII. This statement reaffirms the commitment of ASEAN nations to grooming their youth as the drivers of innovation and unity within the region.
A joint Ministerial Statement for the Ninth ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Youth (9th AMMY+3) was also adopted during the meeting.
The AMMY XIII, themed “Encouraging Youth’s Contribution Towards a Cohesive Society in ASEAN,” was chaired by Myanmar’s
Union Minister, Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs,
Minn Thein Zan. The Conference was attended by ASEAN ministers responsible for youth affairs and their representatives, alongside the Deputy-Secretary General of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin was in attendance.
What types of digital literacy programs are being considered by ASEAN to support youth empowerment?
## ASEAN Ministers Prioritize Youth Empowerment for a Brighter Future
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is [Name of Guest, Title], an expert on youth development and engagement in Southeast Asia. Thank you for being here.
**Guest:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** ASEAN ministers recently met to discuss youth empowerment, emphasizing its importance for regional unity and progress. What are your key takeaways from this meeting?
**Guest:** The Thirteenth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth (AMMY XIII) reinforced ASEAN’s commitment to investing in its young people. The ministers highlighted the transformative power of education in fostering values like respect, tolerance, and solidarity. They also stressed the importance of equipping young ASEAN citizens with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
**Interviewer:**
Education is crucial, but so are opportunities. The meeting also addressed the issue of youth unemployment, a challenge faced by many countries. What are some of the proposed solutions?
**Guest:**
That’s right. The ministers proposed encouraging youth entrepreneurship by creating a supportive ecosystem. This means improving digital infrastructure, expanding market access for young entrepreneurs, and providing them with financial backing, mentorship, and incubation centers. The idea is to empower young people to become job creators, rather than just job seekers.
**Interviewer:**
Technology plays a significant role in shaping the future. How do you see ASEAN leveraging technology to empower its youth?
**Guest:**Minister Mohamad highlighted the immense potential of young people to harness technology, particularly AI and global networks, to drive positive change. This is encouraging. ASEAN can support this by investing in digital literacy programs, promoting access to technology, and creating platforms for young people to innovate and collaborate.
**Interviewer:**
what message would you like to share with young people in Southeast Asia?
**Guest:**
Keep dreaming big, stay engaged, and use your voice. Your energy, creativity, and innovative ideas are essential for shaping a brighter future for ASEAN. The commitment from ASEAN leaders is clear – they are here to support you. Now it’s time for you to seize the opportunities and make your mark on the world.
