Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggar (ANTARA) - House Speaker Puan Maharani has called for the active participation of youth in ASEAN, especially during Indonesia’s chairmanship of the grouping this year.

Maharani, who is also serving as President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) for 2022–2023, conveyed the statement during a courtesy call with Brunei Darussalam assembly member and AIPA Secretary General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday.

According to her, the Youth Standing Committee under AIPA can advance the quality of the region’s young generation in terms of skills related to digital technology and its utilization.

"This committee will accommodate the active role of young people in ASEAN development with the aim to collect ideas, opinions, and aspirations from youths who are future leaders," she said.

She emphasized that Southeast Asian youth’s participation is essential in every resolution that will be initiated by the committee.

Therefore, the House Speaker called for ideas from the Youth Standing Committee to be adopted at the 44th General Assembly of AIPA, which is scheduled on August 5–10, 2023, in Jakarta.

The resolution is expected to serve as a guideline for AIPA member countries in formulating policies related to the youth in the region and outside the region.

"The resolution should address a range of important issues related to the youth in Southeast Asia, such as education, job opportunities, entrepreneurship, access to technology, information, human rights, and environmental sustainability," she said.

The 42nd ASEAN Summit agenda in Labuan Bajo is being held from May 9–11. ASEAN leaders are scheduled to hold a face-to-face meeting with AIPA representatives at 9:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday (May 10).

Maharani will also deliver AIPA’s message at the summit.

As a forum for Southeast Asian countries’ parliaments, AIPA has an important position in the ASEAN Summit agenda.

Related news: AIPA committed to supporting ASEAN as growth epicenter: House Speaker
Related news: Indonesia seeks support for ASEAN, AIPA leadership from South Korea









Translator: Gilang G, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023