Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to develop policies aimed at creating a future where over 213 million young people in the region can “truly thrive.” Speaking during the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth in Laos, Marcos highlighted the importance of supporting the youth, recognizing their potential and innovation as key drivers for positive change in Southeast Asia.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ASEAN youth, with their “latent potential and inherent energy,” represent the region’s greatest asset. He emphasized that today’s leaders must continue to invest in this generation by crafting policies that foster an environment conducive to their success. He also noted how the youth are harnessing technology, particularly social media, to bridge divides and promote inclusivity across the ASEAN community.
Marcos further underscored the role of youth in advancing ASEAN’s vision of connectivity, not only through physical and economic infrastructure but also by strengthening ties between people, cultures, and ideas. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Youth Dialogue, ASEAN Youth Fellowship, and ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp were highlighted as valuable tools in empowering the region’s youth. He called for policies that would strengthen youth entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and the green economy as ways to uplift the younger generation amid ongoing global challenges.