On the afternoon of 9 October 2024, as the ASEAN Chair 2024, His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR presided over the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth.
During the Interface, the youth representatives delivered an ASEAN Youth Statement to ASEAN leaders for their consideration and guidance. ASEAN leaders also provided their comments and guidance to the ASEAN youth representatives. The Interface serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and proposing directions on developing and enhancing the role of ASEAN youth in contributing to the strengthening of the ASEAN Community building efforts and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed appreciation for the significant contribution of ASEAN youth, including those towards ASEAN initiatives and the ASEAN Community building process. He also encouraged ASEAN youth to continue enhancing cooperation in various areas among youth themselves in a constructive and highly responsible manner in order to contribute to socio-economic development. Furthermore, he encouraged ASEAN youth to continue contributing to the deliverables and implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint, including its successor documents and related documents effectively.
Prior to this Interface, the 3rd ASEAN Youth Dialogue was convened on 5-7 October 2024 in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR under the theme “Enhancing Comprehensive and Resilient Supports for Sustainable ASEAN Youth Development”. During the Dialogue, the ASEAN youth representatives discussed the implementation of ASEAN youth activities and shared their views on various topics relating to ASEAN youth development. They also prepared a statement to be presented to ASEAN leaders at the Interface.
