2013 ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit to strengthen regional ties
ON August 24, student leaders will converge in Melbourne for the second ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit to discuss key regional issues and build upon ASEAN-Australia relations. Yoanita Marselia reports.
Image: ASEAN Australia
ASEAN Australia is holding its second youth summit this year after the success of the inaugural event in 2012, which saw the launch of the ASEAN Student Council of Australia (ASCA) and the ASEAN-Australia Agenda.
The 2013 ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit (AAYS) will focus on bringing student leaders together from ASEAN countries and Australia to discuss economics, trade and business links as well as regional human security challenges.
Project leader Quang Anh Vu says the summit is working towards developing student-to-student networking in the region through research presentations and discussion sessions.
“Since the pioneering of this approach in July 2012, the model founded here in Australia has also been adopted by other countries hoping to strengthen people-to-people links with ASEAN,” says Quang.
The 2013 summit plans to be more engaging and encourage participation from student representatives, international and local students, researchers, innovators and youth leaders.
In addition to round-table discussions, delegates have the opportunity to make new friends, create networks and enjoy cultural performances.
For those who are unable to attend the summit but still wish to take part, the AAYS is inviting contributions to its 2013 AAYS Working Paper.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students are encouraged to submit short abstracts addressing this year’s themes. Selected abstracts will then be published in the Working Paper.
Aside from the academic program, creative individuals will have the chance to submit ideas for start-up and social entrepreneurship projects, which will contribute to the ASEAN-Australia Agenda.
This year, AAYS aims to build on the success of the previous summit by bringing together delegates from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and interests to contribute to the summit’s objectives.
Related story: First ASEAN-Australia Youth Summit held in Melbourne
In 2012, the AAYS covered the ASCA’s goals, discussing how to improve education, as well as ways for ASEAN students to make contributions and strengthen the relationship between ASEAN and Australia.
More than a hundred Southeast Asian delegates attended the event, with special guests from ASEAN and Australian government officials such as the Ambassador of Indonesia to Australia H.E. Mr Primo Joelianto and the Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN H.E. Ms Gillian Bird.
This year’s summit will be held at North Melbourne Town Hall on August 24, 2013. Due to limited seating, interested individuals are encouraged to apply via the summit website.
For those attending the event, there is limited parking available in the area. For public transport commuters, Tram 57 will take you to the corner of Queensberry and Errol Street (stop number 12), which is situated right across from the venue.