UTP-ASEAN Student Association Champions Youth Voice at ASEAN Youth Forum 2023 in Bandung
- UTP - ASEAN Student Association
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Date: 26 August 2023
Author: UTP-ASEAN Student Association
[22 to 26 August 2023 - Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia]
The UTP-ASEAN Student Association (UTP-ASA) proudly represented Malaysia at the ASEAN Youth Forum (AYF) 2023, hosted at Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia, in conjunction with the ASEAN Higher Education Conference (AHEC). Bringing together youth delegates, academics, and policymakers, the forum served as a vital platform to discuss the future of higher education and the role of youth in ASEAN development.
Our delegation of 20 students and 2 advisors participated in intensive sessions focused on digital connectivity, sustainable development, education equity, innovation, and regional mobility. During the forum, UTP-ASA played a leading role in the formulation and delivery of the AYF Declaration—a 10-point commitment expressing ASEAN youth’s unified voice and priorities.
Key commitments include:
Promoting digital infrastructure and equitable educational access across ASEAN
Supporting cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy among youth
Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through analytical and youth-driven initiatives
Fostering youth leadership in policy advocacy through the Pentahelix model
Encouraging inclusive economic resilience and innovation, particularly among youth and SMEs
The AYF Declaration was formally presented on 24 August 2023 at the iconic Gedung Merdeka (Merdeka Building), Bandung, as part of the official Bandung Declaration on ASEAN Higher Education. The declaration was handed over to dignitaries including Prof. Nizam, Director General of Higher Education (Indonesia), Prof. Arif Satria, Vice Chairperson of the Assembly of Rectors of Indonesian State Universities, and Derry Aman, Indonesia’s Ambassador to ASEAN.
UTP-ASA’s active contribution not only highlights our commitment to inclusive and sustainable education but also reaffirms our role as youth changemakers in the ASEAN region. The forum offered an unparalleled platform to connect with peers across 10 ASEAN member countries and to forge lasting regional partnerships.
We express our deepest gratitude to Universitas Padjadjaran, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the organizing committee for hosting this milestone event. UTP-ASA remains dedicated to empowering youth to shape a resilient, innovative, and inclusive ASEAN through education and leadership.
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