Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
May 10, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with his fellow Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), met with the representatives of ASEAN Youth during the 42nd ASEAN Summit at the Meruorah Convention Center in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

President Joko Widodo, Chair of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, opened the Session recognizing the young representatives as future leaders of ASEAN to advance the region’s security and economic growth.

“Future leaders of ASEAN that has positive energy and innovative ideas to advance the region, we hope that the role of the young generations can advance ASEAN as a stable region and also as the epicenter of growth,” President Widodo said in his opening remarks.

The agenda of the meeting included the presentation of policy recommendations gathered during the ASEAN Youth Dialogue (AYD) 2023 on Digital Development for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that took place in Jakarta with 60 youth representatives from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste.

Among the recommendations include making digital development equitable and inclusive in Southeast Asia towards the achievement of the SDGs. Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu of the Province of Sultan Kudarat joined the President in the meeting. Representing the Philippine Youth are Tiffany Templonuevo of the University of Sto. Tomas and Jericho Emphasis of the University of Mindanao.

The ASEAN Leaders’ interface with ASEAN Youth provided a valuable platform for young people to voice their opinions and contribute to the policy-making process in ASEAN.

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