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The recent “Youth Empowerment Workshop: The Role of Youth in ASEAN 2024,” organized by
Indonesia Youth Foundation served as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young individuals
across the ASEAN region. With 325 registrants from 16 countries in Asia, the event garnered
widespread interest and participation, highlighting the collective commitment to addressing youth
disillusionment and fostering meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes.
The workshop featured thought-provoking discussions led by esteemed speakers, Mr. Ilan Asqolani,
Project Manager for ASEAN Foundation, and Mr. Handy Santoso, Customs and Trade Officer at ASEAN
Secretariat.
Mr. Santoso emphasized the critical nature of youth disillusionment, considering it a top neglected
risk that could evolve into a critical threat for society. He highlighted the importance of empowering
youth leadership to enhance youth participation through various forms such as seminars, workshops,
access to information, and social media engagement. Mr. Santoso also outlined key skills necessary
for meaningful participation in decision-making processes, including political literacy, democratic
attitudes and values, critical thinking, and resilience.
Mr. Asqolani shared insights on the repercussions of youth disengagement, warning that it could cause
shockwaves on social stability, youth and family well-being, economic productivity, and overall quality
of life. He encouraged youths to take action and provided practical advice on overcoming
disillusionment amidst global and regional challenges. His suggestions included validating emotions,
understanding that youths are not alone, and taking proactive steps towards positive change.
Focus Group Discussion:
On the second day, participants engaged in a focus group discussion to explore how ASEAN can
effectively harness the immense potential of its youthful population in decision-making processes.
The results of the discussion yielded several key recommendations and calls to action.
Call of Action:
Amplify support for ASEAN youth-led projects, serving as a beacon of affirmation and trust for our
future leaders. Mandate youth engagement in policymaking to ensure genuine involvement and
broader access to ASEAN-led initiatives. Embrace variety within youth engagement opportunities,
fostering collaboration and offering fresh avenues for volunteering and engagement.
Key Recommendations for Empowering ASEAN Youth:
Prioritize youth inclusion in decision-making processes to shape a more inclusive future. Uphold
a commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development across the region, nurturing a
conducive environment for growth and progress. Create more representation in policymaking bodies,
amplifying youth voices and ensuring their perspectives are valued.
Additional Recommendations from Participants:
Address graduate employability through comprehensive policies and program implementation,
bridging the gap between education and industry needs. Regular reviews of university curricula will
ensure relevance and alignment with industry requirements, empowering graduates with the skills
they need to succeed. Strengthen infrastructure for job search, profiling, and matching, facilitating
smoother transitions into the workforce. Improve the quality of internship and apprenticeship
programs to provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for youth. Promote youth
empowerment through innovative digital platforms, such as mobile apps, online surveys, and social
media campaigns, amplifying their voices and catalyzing positive change. Establish localized outreach
programs, mobile outreach units, and cultural exchange initiatives to foster community engagement
and empower young people across the region.
The success of the workshop underscores the imperative of continued efforts to empower youth and
amplify their voices within the ASEAN region. Indonesia Youth Foundation remains committed to
advancing youth empowerment initiatives and creating inclusive platforms for youth participation and
advocacy. By collaborating with stakeholders and fostering partnerships, we aim to build a brighter
future where every young individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the
development of ASEAN.
In conclusion, the “Youth Empowerment Workshop: The Role of Youth in ASEAN 2024” served as a
catalyst for change, inspiring hope and empowering young individuals to take charge of their future.
Together, let us continue to work towards a more inclusive and equitable ASEAN, where the voices of
youth are heard and valued.
Stay tuned for updates on future initiatives and opportunities for youth empowerment!
