Written by Natasha Stevens – AIYA Research and Policy team<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Edited by Anastasia Koo – AIYA National President
Attending the ASEAN for the Peoples Conference was an incredible opportunity for AIYA to connect with civil society, youth, and regional organisations that are committed to a more inclusive and people-centred ASEAN. As both attendees and stallholders, we were able to take part in meaningful dialogue about the future of Australia\u2013Indonesia relations within the broader ASEAN framework and share the work AIYA does to build youth-to-youth connections across our region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At our stall, we met students, community organisers, and regional delegates who were eager to learn more about how young Australians and Indonesians collaborate to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and regional literacy. Many visitors were excited by AIYA\u2019s programs and keen to contribute by signing up to their relevant chapters. Many also shared how these kinds of grassroots efforts complement larger diplomatic and government partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As attendees, we were inspired by the emphasis on solidarity, equity, and local voices in regional cooperation. The sessions reminded us that ASEAN is not only a collection of governments but also a community of people. It was especially powerful to see discussions about youth participation, climate resilience, and education access being led by those directly affected. These insights have deepened our commitment to ensuring that AIYA\u2019s programs continue to create spaces for dialogue that are genuinely inclusive and reflective of diverse lived experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participating in the conference reinforced AIYA\u2019s belief that young people play a crucial role in shaping a future ASEAN that values collaboration over competition and empathy over indifference. We left the conference with new connections, fresh ideas, an even stronger sense of purpose to continue acting as a bridge between Australia and Indonesia, and to contribute to a regional community that truly puts people at its centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, National President, Anastasia Koo, was asked to participate in the panel session \u201cCulture: How to Preserve and Empower Southeast Asia\u2019s Rich Cultural Diversity and Heritage\u201d. During this session, a diverse cohort of Southeast Asian speakers spoke about how their subsequent work contributes to the continuance of cultural heritage. Anastasia shared about the work AIYA does in Australia within the nexus of bilateral youth engagement through socio-cultural initiatives and events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by the AIYA stall and took the time to engage with us at the conference. It was inspiring to connect with so many passionate people who share our vision for stronger youth engagement and collaboration across the region. We would also like to thank the Foreign Policy Community Indonesia (FPCI) for facilitating such an amazing conference and inviting AIYA to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We also want to extend our deepest thanks to our incredible volunteers Anastasia Koo, Khairun Nisya Hasnaniyah, Alannah Yuen, \u2060Ngatiqotul Khanafi, Marisa Siti Nuril Farikha, Akbar Priandanu, \u2060Najihatul Ilmi, Gwyn Roberts, Muhamad Imron Rosadi, Thomas Bartley and Natasha Stevens for representing AIYA with so much energy, professionalism, and heart. Your enthusiasm and dedication made our participation possible and helped spark so many meaningful conversations throughout the event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, we\u2019re building a stronger, more connected ASEAN community where young voices are heard and valued.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Written by Natasha Stevens – AIYA Research and Policy team Edited by Anastasia Koo – AIYA National President Attending the ASEAN for the Peoples Conference was an incredible opportunity for […]<\/p>\n