The event forms part of the Next Generation ASEAN Future Forum 2026 initiative, proposed and funded by the United Kingdom and coordinated by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV).

The initiative seeks to create a platform for young people to take part more actively in discussions on the region’s future while preparing activities linked to the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF).

Speaking at the workshop, Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, head of the Vietnamese Mission to ASEAN said the participation of young leaders from across ASEAN and the United Kingdom brings fresh energy to the ASEAN-UK partnership, which has expanded in both scope and depth over the past five years.

She added that the initiative reflects the shared future that ASEAN and the United Kingdom are working to build together.

Huong expressed confidence that ideas, innovative thinking and lessons drawn from the workshop would be proposed to AFF 2026, representing the voice of younger generations in shaping ASEAN’s future.

Ben Matthews, Deputy Head of Mission of the United Kingdom Mission to ASEAN and Political-Security Counsellor, said the UK hopes to work with ASEAN on priorities such as strengthening health security, accelerating the green transition, advancing economic integration and recognising the role of women in peace and security.

He also referred to recent ASEAN initiatives on youth, peace and security as evidence of efforts to empower younger generations, adding that the United Kingdom is ready to support activities that expand dialogue and exchanges with youth across the region.

Vietnamese participant Dao Minh Hoang said discussions and exchanges at the event provide an opportunity for young people across ASEAN to share skills and experiences while strengthening connections and cooperation among the region’s youth.

Such exchanges, he said, contribute to the common aspiration of supporting regional solidarity and positive development at a time when the global environment is becoming increasingly uncertain.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to key aspects of ASEAN Community building, including the pillars of the ASEAN Vision 2045, the regional geopolitical context and ASEAN’s cooperation mechanisms.

The programme also included lectures, expert dialogues and negotiation simulations designed to develop diplomatic, debate and consensus-building skills-core elements of ASEAN’s way of working.

Participants also visited several ASEAN-related institutions and technology companies in Jakarta to gain a clearer understanding of how regional institutions and the private sector work together to promote shared priorities.

The workshop serves as preparation for the AFF Youth Roundtable, expected to take place in Hanoi, where young delegates will continue discussions and refine the AFF Youth Vision 2030 Declaration, showing the shared aspirations of Southeast Asian youth for a peaceful, innovative and sustainable region.

Vietnamese youth support 14th Party Congress with nationwide flag raising

A flag salute ceremony welcoming the 14th National Party Congress took place at the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in Hanoi on January 19.

Vietnamese youth join hands to aid Typhoon Bualoi victims

A nationwide campaign was launched by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee on October 3, calling on young people to support residents severely affected by Typhoon Bualoi, or locally known as Storm No. 10.