ASEAN Youth Urged to Lead the Direction of the Digital Future
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The “Ctrl+Youth: Shaping ASEAN’s Digital Future” youth consultation forum emphasised the strategic role of the younger generation in determining the direction of digital transformation in the region.
The event, held at the Auditorium GT-Toyota Asian Center, University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, brought together various stakeholders to discuss youth contributions to the ASEAN digital ecosystem.
Philippine Minister for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Rex Gatchalian, who organised the event alongside the Tayo ang Taya youth empowerment initiative, stressed the importance of preparing the younger generation to face rapidly advancing technology.
“With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies, we recognise the need to ensure that our youth are not only equipped with technical skills but also with values that uphold responsibility, inclusivity, and innovation,” he said, according to a press release from ASEAN Philippines 2026 on Wednesday (6/5).
He also highlighted that the global shift towards digital and hybrid systems increasingly underscores the importance of digital resilience.
“The recent global shift towards digital and hybrid systems has further highlighted the importance of digital resilience,” Gatchalian said in a video message to participants.
In his address to youth leaders and organisations, Gatchalian affirmed that active participation by the younger generation is key to driving the region’s digital future.
“In 2026, we are focused on ensuring that our youth are ready to participate in the global digital economy while promoting ethical and responsible use of technology,” he said.
He added that the voice of youth plays a crucial role in shaping the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, including providing input for policies relevant to the realities and aspirations of the current generation.
“At DSWD, we believe that digitally empowered and inclusive communities are key to building stronger families and a more inclusive ASEAN Community,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of the DSWD Policy and Planning Group, Adonis Sulit, emphasised the importance of youth involvement in ASEAN processes, particularly in the socio-cultural pillar.
“The Minister (Gatchalian) always sees that we need to involve as many young people as possible when we lead ASEAN. That is why, with the support of youth organisations and the National Youth Commission, we are organising this consultation,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the consultation in drafting the ASEAN digital resilience charter.
“The ASEAN socio-cultural pillar has the most sectors, and one of those sectors is youth. That is why DSWD is doing this in partnership with various youth organisations, because youth is one of the sectors under the socio-cultural community,” he stated.
The Ctrl+Youth forum brought together young leaders from civil society organisations, student groups, community-based organisations, and young advocates. They actively participated in focused group discussions to draft a manifesto on responsible technology use and digital security.
For participants, the forum served as a space to broaden their perspectives while strengthening their role in shaping the digital future.
The consultation also reflects DSWD’s commitment to inclusive governance by ensuring that the voices of Filipino youth are integrated into the national contribution to ASEAN’s digital agenda and long-term vision.