Content Writer 
(On February 7-8, 2026) — the Role of Youth ASEAN (ROYA) 2026 successfully held a two-day international youth forum. The event united students from ASEAN member countries. Additionally, the online conference featured the theme “Ignite ASEAN 2026: Equipping Youth as Catalysts of Resilience and Unity.”
The conference showcased two prominent international speakers. Moreover, intensive Focus Group Discussions challenged participants to develop concrete solutions. These solutions addressed urgent regional issues such as disinformation, local conflicts, and inequality.
Aulia Salvy Putri Maharani, the Project Leader of ROYA 2026, expressed her appreciation for participant enthusiasm. According to her, the energy and commitment shown by participants over two days proved something important. When given the right platform, young people not only discuss change but actively drive it.
ROYA 2026 successfully witnessed how youth from various countries’ backgrounds can unite around common goals. Furthermore, they created real solutions for the region’s future. This achievement demonstrated the power of collaborative youth engagement.
First Talkshow Session Kicks Off Day One at ROYA 2026
The first day opened with two speaker sessions. These sessions provided different perspectives on youth diplomacy. Gleb Galerstein from MGIMO University shared Russia’s comprehensive approach through his session titled “Implementation of Youth International Projects in Russia: Experience at University and State Service.“
He introduced participants to groundbreaking initiatives. These included BRICS Project LAB and Movement of the First, which now mobilizes 13 million young people. Galerstein emphasized that despite limited mutual knowledge, Russia and ASEAN need each other as valuable partners.
He highlighted various platforms. These included the BRICS Youth Summit 2025 Declaration and School Diplomacy Clubs operating in 30 countries. Remarkably, these clubs engage more than 6,000 participants worldwide.
Galerstein’s session opened participants’ eyes to opportunities they had never considered before. Through programs like the World Youth Festival, which attracted 110,000 participants, Indonesian youth gained access to Russia’s extensive experience. Additionally, the International Assembly of Children’s Organizations was described as an unprecedented platform in the world.
Talkshow Continues with Second Speaker at ROYA 2026
The second speaker, Jose Noel, delivered an engaging presentation. His topic was “ASEAN Without Borders: Youth Diplomacy and the Future of Regional Solidarity.” Jose challenged participants to think beyond national boundaries.
He emphasized that ASEAN is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030. Impressively, 60% of its population will be young people. He underlined that competition is no longer local but regional. Moreover, it involves the best minds from all ten member countries.
In an era of division and international crises, it is crucial for current and future youth to be well-informed. Data is the new gold. Therefore, leveraging it represents the biggest challenge ahead.
Jose emphasized three critical competencies that ASEAN youth must possess. First, strong digital literacy is essential. Second, an ASEAN Economic Community mindset is crucial. Third, the ability to lead through consensus and collaboration matters greatly.
This session resonated deeply with participants. They realized that peers met at youth conferences often become long-term professional partners. Through high-stakes simulations in negotiation and public speaking, young people can practice leadership in safe environments. Simultaneously, they build confidence for real-world challenges, uniting ASEAN youth and growing together in this digital era.
Moves into Day Two Preparations
After the inspiring presentations on the first day, selected participants received briefings. These briefings prepared them for the intensive Focus Group Discussion sessions on day two. Participants were divided into three breakout room groups, each addressing different sub-themes.
The three sub-themes addressed key regional issues from multiple angles. The first focused on tackling disinformation, conflict, and inequality through youth-led collaborative solutions that target root causes and real-world challenges. The second emphasized inclusive platforms that position youth as drivers of peace, solidarity, and community resilience, ensuring their voices remain central. The third strengthened youth resilience by equipping participants with adaptive 21st-century skills, preparing them not only to face regional and global challenges but also to guide their communities through them.
ROYA 2026 Day Two Turns Ideas into Youth-Led Action
The enthusiasm from the first day continued seamlessly into the second day. Participants actively spoke and shared diverse opinions during the FGD sessions. Their dedication produced comprehensive outputs in the form of detailed essays submitted through Google Forms. Additionally, they created engaging PowerPoint presentations.
The FGD sessions lasted 180 minutes. These sessions were divided into two 90-minute segments. Together, they addressed three critical sub-themes tackling ASEAN’s most pressing challenges.
ROYA 2026 proved that meaningful regional cooperation begins with informed and connected youth. These young people understand shared challenges and their unique opportunities. Participants returned home equipped with new perspectives, international networks, and actionable frameworks. Consequently, they can drive change in their communities.
The conference proved that youth diplomacy goes beyond formal negotiations. It encompasses digital literacy, cultural understanding, and the courage to address uncomfortable truths. These truths include issues about disinformation and inequality.
Outstanding Contributions Celebrated at ROYA 2026
After the FGD sessions, an awarding ceremony recognized outstanding participant contributions. The awards celebrated exceptional individual and group achievements. This recognition validated the hard work and creativity displayed throughout the conference.
Khaisa H. Kamal from Group Sub-Theme 3 received the Best Presenter award. This recognition honored her outstanding individual delivery. Meanwhile, Group Sub-Theme 2 achieved dual recognition by winning both Best Group Discussion and Best Group Presenter awards. These awards celebrated their collaborative excellence and presentation quality.
The success of ROYA 2026 reaffirmed an important principle. When equipped with the right platform, guidance, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue, ASEAN youth emerge as more than future leaders. Instead, they become present-day catalysts driving regional resilience and unity.
Through in-depth discussions, quality presentations, and cross-border networking, ROYA 2026 facilitated something remarkable. It helped birth a generation of ASEAN leaders ready to face regional and global challenges. These leaders bring innovative and collaborative solutions to the table. Ultimately, they represent the future of regional cooperation and sustainable development.
About Indonesia Youth Foundation
Founded on 23 July 2020, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting Indonesian understanding and global friendship. It empowers youth through education, tourism, and cross-cultural exchange, bridging Indonesian and international youth. Guided by its vision, IYF promotes Indonesia’s diplomacy by engaging youth, fostering understanding, and encouraging collaboration.
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Writer: Zulfa Zahro
Editor: Tesalonika Kristianti
