Youth: Sustainable Development Post-Covid-19
The question that might arise nowadays among young people might be: How can I shape Sustainable Development in a post-Covid-19 world? Being young leaders to shape the future, and your future, is a responsibility. You have the chance to take that responsibility and collaborate to build the best world possibile. Youth has many advantages that they can bring in shaping an idea of sustainable development post-Covid-19, as they can put forward their optimism and enthusiasm. The value of an understanding of the new generations needs lies right there, among young people themselves.
Because they are trying to figure out how the world works, they ask great questions and challenge assumptions. They haven’t made peace with the status quo. As a result, some of the best insights and solutions for problems will come from next generation leaders because they see things differently.
ASEF Summit for Youth
ASEF (Asian and European Foundation) tries to meet such need and qualities, having created the ASEM‘s official Youth platform.
The platform connects young people with the Heads of States and Governments from 51 Asian & European countries and the political Leaders of the EU & the ASEAN Secretariat.
Following such path, ASEF has now invited young people to join in the discussion around how to build a sustainable development post-Covid-19, with a circle of Summits. We are now at its 4th edition.
The 4th ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS4) is a fully-funded 10-month long youth leadership programme connected to the 13th ASEF Summit (ASEM13) in June 2021 in Cambodia. The ASEFYLS4 focuses on ‘Sustainable Development in a post-COVID-19 World’ and incorporates 3 spheres for youth leadership: 1) self-leadership (you), 2) team leadership (we) and 3) societal leadership (all).
The 4th edition is a hybrid project with collaborative elements taking place virtually, in Cambodia, as well as across ASEM countries. We address 4 thematic areas:
- Good Health & Wellbeing;
- Quality Education;
- Decent Work & Economic Growth;
- Climate Action.
The summit runs from February to November 2021 and it covers 3 phases:
- From 22nd February to 28th May 2021: Knowledge Building. An in-depth knowledge journey and peer-to-peer exploration into Asia-Europe Relations, the Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership with a certified course and training led by the College of Europe in Natolin and the Center for Creative Leadership respectively;
- From 29th May to 2nd June 2021: Youth Summit. Prepare an ASEM Youth Declaration that will be presented by ASEFYLS4 participants at the Opening Ceremony of the 13th ASEM Summit to the ASEM Leaders;
- June – November 2021: Leadership in Action. Turn theory into action, and jointly work on 15 impactful, community projects on the Sustainable Development Goals across ASEM).
Who Can Apply
There are eligibility criteria to pass the selection process, and participate in the Summit. The applicant have to:
- Be Citizens of any of the 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Partner countries;
- Be students, entrepreneurs, academics and young professionals – all between the ages of 18 and 30;
- Have strong verbal and written command of English.
What Do You Get From It?
Any participant will receive:
- a certified course/training by world-leading institutions on Asia-Europe relations and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as Leadership;
- membership of the ASEM & ASEF youth community opening doors for cross-regional collaboration and exchange.
Do you feel ready for it? Bring the youth voice into the multilateral policy arena and contribute to the ASEM Process. Leave a positive mark in local communities across Asia and Europe and bring in your enthusiasm!
How to Apply
You can get more info on ASEM website, and directly register yourself for the Summit on the same page (Application Form). The deadline to apply is February 3rd at midnight.
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