JAKARTA –The European Union (EU) Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, launched the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA) in Jarkata, Indonesia on Monday. This initiative brings together 11 youth representatives from ASEAN Member States and Timor Leste to advise the EU Delegation on EU-ASEAN cooperation.
Ambassador Seam praised the YSBEA members for their leadership and achievements. He explained that YSBEA will create a platform for young people to strengthen the EU-ASEAN strategic partnership, making EU actions more relevant and effective for youth.
The Ambassador also noted the crucial role of young people in shaping the future of the region, particularly in areas like sustainable development and climate change. He sees YSBEA members as partners in building a greener, more inclusive, and digital future.
YSBEA members met with Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs. DSG Nararya pointed out that youth make up about 34% of the ASEAN population as of 2020, with this number expected to peak in 2038. He referenced the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement from May 2023, which recognizes youth as key drivers of growth and calls for their active participation in shaping the region’s future.
Vichny Chanchem, the representative from Cambodia, expressed enthusiasm about joining YSBEA. She looks forward to working with her fellow members to enhance EU-ASEAN cooperation on sustainable development that protects the rights of ASEAN citizens.
The 11 YSBEA members are young activists passionate about various fields including environment, climate change, education, science, technology, human rights, gender, entrepreneurship, and health. Their inauguration included a 3-day onboarding program covering topics such as environment and energy, digital infrastructure, gender equality, human development, migration, human rights, peace, governance, and sustainable growth.
YSBEA is part of a larger initiative that includes 30 similar Youth Sounding Board groups worldwide. This aligns with the EU’s Youth Action Plan (YAP) for external action, which aims to promote youth participation and empowerment globally. The YAP focuses on engaging, connecting, and empowering young people in EU external actions.
