Strengthening the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillar through Youth Diplomacy

Abstract

The youth comprise a major part of the world’s population today, with an approximate total of 1.2 billion. In Southeast Asia, the youth make up the largest population with a total of 213 million and is forecasted to reach 220 million by 2038. While there is no agreed international definition of the youth, the United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division defines it as those persons between 15 to 24 years of age, while the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Youth Development Index include them in the age bracket of 15 to 35 years old. With their entrepreneurial, digital, and critical skills, the youth serve as the backbone of economic development, trailblazers for social change, and future leaders of the region. This brings into paramount consideration the protection of the young people’s welfare and the promotion of their perspectives. There has been a growing consensus that the youth play increasing roles in the development of society. They have been vital in elevating pressing concerns to the global discussion table, such that the UN acknowledged their importance in the promotion of global strategies for sustainable development. ASEAN has also recognized the youth sector’s relevance in the creation of a sustainable, resilient, dynamic, and an inclusive regional community, as reflected in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint.