Youth Ministers launch report on how young people see ASEAN

JAKARTA, 6 September 2021- Members of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth launched the publication titled Understanding How Young People See ASEAN: Awareness, Values, and Identity on 30 August.

Launched upon completion of the second phase of ASEAN Youth Development Index (YDI) study, the publication focuses on the fifth domain – ASEAN Awareness, Values and Identity. An expert team conducted the study in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat, under the guidance of ASEAN YDI Task Force and supported by ASEAN Development Fund.

“This domain is a crucial part of ASEAN’s community-building endeavours as it gives us a better understanding of the affinity that our youth have towards ASEAN,” said Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi in his opening remarks.

For his part, the Secretary-General of Lao Youth Union and Chairperson of ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth Alounxai Sounnalath said, “I am convinced that this report will provide us with new perspectives on how youth can play their significant roles in ASEAN’s journey towards a bright Post-COVID-19 era and in building the region’s adaptability and resilience in facing future disruptions.’’

‘’I am also hopeful that this report will inspire youth development stakeholders to create better synergy in developing policies and programmes for and with the youth of ASEAN,” Sounnalath concluded.

ASEAN conducted the study to complete components covered in the First ASEAN Youth Development Index launched in 2017, which addressed the first four domains of the Index. Over 2,000 students from 14 universities across ASEAN Member States participated as survey respondents.

Dr. Eric C. Thompson, Principal Investigator of ASEAN Youth Development Index Phase II Survey, from the National University of Singapore presented the key findings and recommendations of study.

He highlighted that awareness alone does not necessarily correlate with sharing the values and identity of ASEAN Community. Thus, to better reach out to the youth, it is important to promote the values of ASEAN people, benefits of ASEAN and a positive understanding of ASEAN Identity.

Education about ASEAN and its representation need to not merely stress on knowledge of the region and the organisation, but also emphasise on shared values and sense of belonging in this broad, diverse regional community.

Following the presentation, Youth Ministers and their representatives shared their views and expressed support towards the advancement of ASEAN Youth Development Index for informed decision-making in addressing issues affecting the young people.

At the end of the launch, Asia-Pacific Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund Björn Andersson congratulated ASEAN for the launch and updated ministers on the latest developments in Youth Development Index, globally.

“ASEAN Youth Development Index illustrates ASEAN’s commitment to youth. Youth are key to the future success of any nation and indeed our world as a whole, both as our current and future leaders and also as a catalyst for economic, social and cultural development.”

Representatives of ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Youth and ASEAN YDI Task Force, as well as relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, ASEAN Entities, youth organisations and youth leaders, participated in the event.

Understanding How Young People See ASEAN: Awareness, Values and Identity is available in two versions, the brief version for general public and decision-makers, and the full version for students, academia and researchers.

Link to publications and launch video:

Full Version: link

Launch Video: link

Source: ASEAN Secretariat