NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
First International Youth-Led Summit Calls For Transforming Education In Southeast Asia
SEAMEO INNOTECH File Photo
Southeast Asian youth leaders, along with officials and representatives from international development organizations, gathered at the inaugural international Youth-led Summit held by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization – Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH). The summit aimed to address the urgent need for transforming education in the region.
More than 200 youth leaders from 10 ASEAN countries, including Timor Leste, played a pivotal role in organizing and moderating the event titled "Youth Summit 2023: Transforming Education in Southeast Asia." The summit provided a platform for young people to express their views, share knowledge and innovations, engage with their peers and key stakeholders, and present collective recommendations for transforming education.
In her welcome address, Leonor Magtolis Briones, the Director of INNOTECH Centre and former Education Secretary, highlighted the importance of giving young people a voice in shaping educational policies. She emphasized that SEAMEO INNOTECH recognizes the significance of focusing on youth and believes in hearing directly from them. Briones stated, "Legislators pass laws, bureaucrats issue memoranda, and teachers tell us how to behave and give us tests, but we must hear from the young people themselves."
Briones also reminded the delegates of the transformative power wielded by the youth. She expressed confidence in their ability to lead their respective countries in the future and emphasized the importance of their feedback in driving meaningful change.
During the opening of the two-day summit, youth leaders presented the Youth Declaration, which outlined their collective recommendations for the desired transformation of education. The declaration urged policymakers to involve youth in the design, implementation, and evaluation of education-related policies. It also appealed for investment in youth leadership and inclusive education.
Elan Enverga, an SDG advocate and member of the Youth Summit 2023 Core Team, led the presentation of the Youth Declaration. Enverga emphasized that youth were not merely present to voice complaints but rather to collaborate with education ministries and address the disconnect between top-down policies and on-the-ground challenges.
Throughout the summit, youth leaders conducted breakout sessions focusing on key issues such as youth leadership, inclusive education, digital learning and transformation, learning support, learning through arts and technology, entrepreneurship, environmental resilience, and psychosocial and mental well-being.
On the second day, a panel discussion took place where youth leaders presented their concrete recommendations to high-level officials from the Department of Education, SEAMEO INNOTECH, ASEAN Secretariat, UNICEF Philippines, UNESCO, and other international development organizations. In response, these organizations provided their Commitment of Support.
The summit concluded with a collective commitment from the youth leaders and the panel to continue shaping the future of education. The "Youth Agenda" will be formally submitted to the United Nations, ASEAN government bodies, and lawmakers to advocate for cross-sector and multilateral cooperation in transforming education beyond regional boundaries.
SEAMEO INNOTECH expressed its commitment to utilizing the youth-led solutions and recommendations for future programs aimed at developing innovative approaches to education.
The first international Youth-led Summit marked a significant step toward empowering young leaders and engaging them in the transformation of education in Southeast Asia. With their collective voice and commitment, the youth leaders are poised to influence policies and drive positive change in the educational landscape of the region and beyond.
More than 200 youth leaders from 10 ASEAN countries, including Timor Leste, played a pivotal role in organizing and moderating the event titled "Youth Summit 2023: Transforming Education in Southeast Asia." The summit provided a platform for young people to express their views, share knowledge and innovations, engage with their peers and key stakeholders, and present collective recommendations for transforming education.
In her welcome address, Leonor Magtolis Briones, the Director of INNOTECH Centre and former Education Secretary, highlighted the importance of giving young people a voice in shaping educational policies. She emphasized that SEAMEO INNOTECH recognizes the significance of focusing on youth and believes in hearing directly from them. Briones stated, "Legislators pass laws, bureaucrats issue memoranda, and teachers tell us how to behave and give us tests, but we must hear from the young people themselves."
Briones also reminded the delegates of the transformative power wielded by the youth. She expressed confidence in their ability to lead their respective countries in the future and emphasized the importance of their feedback in driving meaningful change.
During the opening of the two-day summit, youth leaders presented the Youth Declaration, which outlined their collective recommendations for the desired transformation of education. The declaration urged policymakers to involve youth in the design, implementation, and evaluation of education-related policies. It also appealed for investment in youth leadership and inclusive education.
Elan Enverga, an SDG advocate and member of the Youth Summit 2023 Core Team, led the presentation of the Youth Declaration. Enverga emphasized that youth were not merely present to voice complaints but rather to collaborate with education ministries and address the disconnect between top-down policies and on-the-ground challenges.
Throughout the summit, youth leaders conducted breakout sessions focusing on key issues such as youth leadership, inclusive education, digital learning and transformation, learning support, learning through arts and technology, entrepreneurship, environmental resilience, and psychosocial and mental well-being.
On the second day, a panel discussion took place where youth leaders presented their concrete recommendations to high-level officials from the Department of Education, SEAMEO INNOTECH, ASEAN Secretariat, UNICEF Philippines, UNESCO, and other international development organizations. In response, these organizations provided their Commitment of Support.
The summit concluded with a collective commitment from the youth leaders and the panel to continue shaping the future of education. The "Youth Agenda" will be formally submitted to the United Nations, ASEAN government bodies, and lawmakers to advocate for cross-sector and multilateral cooperation in transforming education beyond regional boundaries.
SEAMEO INNOTECH expressed its commitment to utilizing the youth-led solutions and recommendations for future programs aimed at developing innovative approaches to education.
The first international Youth-led Summit marked a significant step toward empowering young leaders and engaging them in the transformation of education in Southeast Asia. With their collective voice and commitment, the youth leaders are poised to influence policies and drive positive change in the educational landscape of the region and beyond.
Jun 30, 2023
