By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to empower the youth and ensure their participation in shaping the region’s future.
During the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Marcos said young people should not merely witness discussion on the region’s future but actively help shape them.
“I am especially pleased that our young people are here not simply to witness our discussion, but to help shape the direction of our region,” Marcos said.
Marcos stressed that ASEAN must ensure that young people have access to responsive institutions, meaningful opportunities, and safe communities where they can actively participate and contribute.
He said these are particularly important amid rapid technological changes, economic uncertainties, and persistent threats to regional peace and security.
“In an age of rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and persistent threats to peace, young people need more than words of encouragement,” Marcos said.
“You need institutions that listen, opportunities that are within reach, and communities in which they can live and contribute safely,” he added.
The President recognized the contributions of young people across Southeast Asia in establishing businesses, developing new technologies, preserving cultural heritage, and serving their communities.
However, he noted that many continue to face challenges, including limited access to finance, relevant education, and decent employment.
“Others confront insecurity, exclusion and harmful online environments. These concerns are central to our ambition to build a resilient, inclusive, and people-centered community,” Marcos said.
Others, Marcos said, face insecurity, exclusion and harmful online environments.
Marcos said these concerns are central to the Philippines’ goal of building a resilient, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN community.
He said the Youth Statement presented during the gathering highlights the need to make youth participation meaningful and sustained, involve young people in peacebuilding and security efforts, and strengthen protections and opportunities for those working in emerging industries.
It also calls for ethical, safe, and accessible digital transformation.
“It also reminds us that youth empowerment cannot rely on the individual talent alone. It requires policies, resources, and partnerships that enable young people from every community, not only those with the greatest advantages, to thrive,” Marcos said.
He described the leaders’ interface as an important opportunity to hear young people’s perspectives and determine how their recommendations could be incorporated into ASEAN’s existing processes.
“To our youth representatives, I encourage you to speak with confidence in the value of your ideas. To my fellow leaders, I invite you to listen carefully with open minds and a shared sense of purpose,” Marcos said.
“Let today’s discussion strengthen the bridge between the aspirations of our young people and the decisions that help shape the future of ASEAN,” he added. (PNA)
