Latest news with #AseanLeaders'Interface
The Star
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Aipa pushes for women, youth empowerment in Asean nation-building
KUALA LUMPUR: Women and youth must be given greater space in leadership, politics and decision-making processes, says Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) president Tan Sri Johari Abdul. "Alhamdulillah, in Malaysia, women's involvement is very encouraging in certain areas, particularly in the public sector's supporting services, where we have likely surpassed 50%, and in the education sector as well,' he told reporters after the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Aipa, held on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit on Monday (May 26). However, he noted that women remain underrepresented in other key fields, especially politics, and emphasised the need to empower young women to take on leadership roles. "This is the area we want to push, so that the participation of young ladies becomes more active and prominent,' he said. Johari, who is the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, also called for greater empowerment of youth as future leaders, stressing that their aspirations must be meaningfully incorporated across all sectors, including politics, the economy, social development and education. He reaffirmed the shared commitment of Asean leaders and Aipa member parliaments to advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and people-centred regional community. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Johari commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as Asean Chair and emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in shaping regional policy. The statement also highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary initiatives supporting the empowerment of women and youth, the acceleration of digital integration and the advancement of green and sustainable economic growth. As the current Asean Chair, Malaysia is hosting the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 26 to 27. The Asean-Aipa Leaders' Interface is a dedicated platform for dialogue between Asean heads of state/government and the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and representatives of AIPA Member Parliaments to align regional priorities through inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Young Asean voices set agenda for a sustainable tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: Delegates of the 4th Asean Youth Dialogue 2025 have urged Asean leaders to demonstrate clear commitment and awareness in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the region. In their 4th Asean Youth Statement 2025, themed "Youth for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Inclusion and Driving Change in Asean," the delegates called on leaders to adopt nine key policy recommendations aimed at ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable youth participation in driving socioeconomic development. These matters were among the key topics raised during the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Asean Youth held at the 46th Asean Summit. Central to the recommendations was a call for renewed efforts to empower young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realising the Asean Community Vision 2025. The statement also highlighted the importance of enhancing youth health and wellbeing, advocating improved mental health services, comprehensive reproductive health education, and affordable access to healthcare — measures seen as vital for equipping the next generation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. Education and skills development were also prioritised, with delegates calling for improved digital literacy and proficiency in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. In addition, the delegates urged Asean member states to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting start-ups, mentorship schemes, and providing accessible funding opportunities. They also stressed the importance of targeted policies to uplift marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, rural communities, and women. Delegates further stressed the need for investment in sustainable infrastructure to bridge the urban–rural divide, and called for unified action to address the climate crisis, including prioritising climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and intercultural exchange programmes to promote regional solidarity and understanding. Malaysia's youth delegate Muhammad Izzat Afifi said Asean's youth were ready to lead. "We are not only advocating for ourselves, but for a future in which inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation are the foundation of our region's development," he said. Meanwhile, the Philippines' delegate Michelle Ann M. Villanueva, from its National Youth Commission, hailed the dialogue as a groundbreaking opportunity for youth voices to be recognised. "This is a testament that we are valued, we are heard, and we matter," she said, highlighting the importance of platforms that allow young people to convey their needs and aspirations directly to Asean leaders. As the Asean Work Plan on Youth 2021–2025 nears its conclusion, the dialogue reaffirmed the importance of institutionalising youth participation in policymaking. Delegates expressed hope that their recommendations would serve as a blueprint for action, inspiring Asean leaders to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean's future starts now: Anwar urges youth to lead the way
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Work Plan on Youth 2021–2025 serves as a vital framework for harnessing the potential of the region's young population to confront urgent challenges and drive meaningful progress. Speaking at the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Asean Youth during the 46th Asean Summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of youth empowerment, praising their ability to address key issues such as fiscal stability, public health, economic coordination, and sustainable development. "The Asean Work Plan on Youth appears to provide a solid framework to tackle many of our current concerns," he said. "We draw immense hope from your generation – not only from your respective nations but also from the strong and cohesive core of Asean," Anwar told the youth representatives. The Work Plan focuses on equipping young people with 21st-century and digital skills, while institutionalising their involvement in policy discussions to cultivate a future-ready generation capable of leading Asean's continued development. Anwar commended the youth for their preparedness in presenting statements and recommendations for the Work Plan, urging Asean leaders to truly listen and ensure that young people are central to shaping the region's future. He spoke passionately about the transformative potential of youth engagement, adding that their participation brought renewed energy to regional policy-making. "We are compelled to increase youth representation and give you space to express yourselves. On this rare occasion, we must all listen," he said, reflecting Asean's growing commitment to inclusive governance. Anwar also praised the spirit of unity among Asean member states, crediting the summit's success to the dedication, mutual understanding, and effective communication among regional leaders. "The progress we have achieved is the result of our leaders' strong commitment and openness. By remaining connected, learning from one another, and working together, we are able to make timely and effective decisions," he said. Anwar expressed optimism about the contributions of young people, acknowledging their potential to inspire hope and unity both within their own countries and across the Asean region.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Aipa crucial to advancing Asean's next chapter
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (Aipa) should be further encouraged to enhance parliamentarians' understanding of Asean's mechanisms across member states, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. As Asean advances into a new chapter of its community-building efforts, he said deeper engagement between Aipa and lawmakers would not only benefit national legislatures, but also strengthen regional cooperation and alignment on issues affecting the people. In his keynote address at the Asean Leaders' Interface with Aipa representatives today, Anwar said that Aipa had gone to great lengths during this session to address several key issues, including food security, climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development. "On behalf of my counterparts, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for the initiatives undertaken, which will be of immense value not only to the House but also to its members and elected representatives," he said. "Every decision made by a parliament or congress has a significant impact on the direction of our nations. Many of my colleagues have also expressed the view that Aipa should be encouraged to provide greater exposure to our parliamentarians on Asean's inner workings." Anwar also said that, as Asean continues its community-building journey, Aipa would serve as a vital partner in realising the people's aspirations, advancing progress across the three core pillars, and enhancing Asean's resilience and readiness for future challenges. The 14th Asean-Aipa Interface offers a strategic platform to align regional priorities through inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance. Centred on the theme "Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and a Sustainable Asean", the Interface highlights the critical role of parliamentary institutions in supporting Malaysia's Asean chairmanship agenda focused on inclusivity and sustainability.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean leaders assemble in KL today for key summit, related meetings
KUALA LUMPUR: Leaders from across South-East Asia converge in the Malaysian capital on Monday (May 26) for a crucial summit and a series of high-level related meetings to deliberate on key regional matters. The packed itinerary begins with the 46th Asean Summit (Plenary), followed by the 46th Asean Summit (Retreat), in which leaders will engage in discussions on challenges, strategic priorities, and efforts to reinforce regional unity. Also on the schedule are the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Asean Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Asean Youth and the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC). The day's focal point is the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, a strategic milestone that will shape the region's next phase of community-building. ALSO READ: Malaysian centrality in Asean 2025 The day will wrap up with Asean leaders enjoying an evening of delicious local delicacies and vibrant cultural performances at a Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. The 46th Asean Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This marks Malaysia's fifth term as Asean Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements -- the 2nd Asean -GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean -GCC-China Summit -- will be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. - Bernama
