OVERVIEW
The third instalment of the ASEM Youth Dialogue (AYD) focused on sustainable development, one of the priority issues for the ASEM dialogue process.
The event was attended by 70 young leaders between 25 and 35 years old, who were nominated by national youth councils, youth organisations, environmental organisations, community interest groups and relevant governmental agencies in ASEM countries. International experts were also invited to present their insights and perspectives into such issues like poverty alleviation, education for sustainable development, biodiversity, climate change, regional economic co-operation, youth employment, sustainable development indicators and formulation of national sustainable development strategies.
During the four-day dialogue session, the youth delegates discussed about the four dimensions of sustainability – social, environmental, economic and institutional – and critically examined progress that had been made at the community, national, regional and inter-regional level. A broad spectrum of viewpoints, reflecting the diverse social and economic backgrounds of the countries represented, was canvassed during the dialogue. The outcome of the dialogue was captured in the ASEM Youth Statement on Sustainable Development. The the ASEM Youth Network for Sustainable Development was also launched to promote sustainable development to strengthen Asia-Europe youth co-operation.
ISSUES
– Sustainable development is one of the common challenges facing their common future
– ASEM countries to intensify efforts to strengthen the ASEM dialogue and co-operation
– Streamline youth inputs into the ASEM dialogue on sustainability and environmental matters on the basis of co-management
– ASEM countries to develop a quantifiable set of indicators of sustainable development that is publicly available
KEY ATTENDEES
Mr. Vu Khoan, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam and Chairman of the ASEM5 National Committee
Mr. Hoang Binh Quan, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation
Mr. Do Ngoc Son, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam