Cambodia youth representatives with Prime Minister Hun Manet and education minister Hang Chuon Naron at the 4th ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. FB
Youth delegates from Cambodia and across the ASEAN region, along with representatives from Timor-Leste, gathered in Kuala Lumpur from May 22 to 26 for the 4th ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025.
This regional platform, held alongside the 46th and 47th ASEAN Summits, showcased the collective voice of young leaders advocating for bold policies to empower youth as key drivers of sustainable development and regional resilience.
During the dialogue, youth delegates co-drafted the 4th ASEAN Youth Statement 2025, presenting nine key policy recommendations focused on advancing youth empowerment, health and well-being, education and digital skills, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, climate action, social inclusion and bridging urban-rural divides.
“The statement calls on ASEAN governments to renew their commitment to youth as essential actors in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Pact for the Future and the ASEAN Community Vision 2025,” according to a joint statement.
Highlighting the importance of these efforts, Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron emphasised the vital role of youth across ASEAN.
He underscored the need for continued investment in youth capacity development to prepare them for a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Youth delegates from Cambodia and across the ASEAN region, along with representatives from Timor-Leste, gathered in Kuala Lumpur from May 22 to 26. FB
“The statement focuses on issues including (1) youth empowerment, (2) health and well-being of ASEAN youth, (3) cooperation on youth, (4) education and skills training, especially digital literacy, (5) innovation and entrepreneurship, (6) culture, (7) climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Naron explained, via social media.
According to the minister, Prime Minister Hun Manet also shared recommendations for ASEAN youth, urging them to strengthen their skills, participate actively in governance and peacekeeping, seize opportunities for quality digital education, and build resilience and inclusiveness to navigate future challenges.
The youth delegates emphasised targeted policies to improve sexual and reproductive health, mental health support and access to affordable healthcare.
They urged the expansion of social protection for marginalised groups and advocated for multi-sector collaboration to develop accessible education and skills training, particularly in emerging digital technologies like artificial intelligence.
The dialogue also spotlighted the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship through supportive policies, mentorship and funding, alongside promoting intercultural exchanges to celebrate ASEAN’s rich cultural diversity.
Addressing environmental challenges, youth representatives called for accelerated climate action and disaster resilience, emphasiding sustainable infrastructure and local wisdom.
