Emerging young leaders from across Southeast Asia gathered at the ASEAN Future Forum NextGen Workshop 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 9 by the UK Mission to ASEAN and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Delegates at the SEAN Future Forum NextGen Workshop 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia on March 9.

It aimed to create a platform for youth to engage more deeply in discussions on the region’s future and prepare for activities within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF).

Addressing the workshop, Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to ASEAN, highlighted that the participation of promising young leaders from ASEAN member states and the UK will inject youthful energy into the ASEAN–UK partnership, which has expanded in both depth and breadth over the past five years. She said the initiative also reflects the shared future that both sides are working to build.

The ambassador expressed confidence that fresh perspectives, innovative thinking and lessons drawn from the workshop will be proposed to AFF 2026, representing the voice of the younger generation in shaping ASEAN’s future in line with their aspirations.

Ben Matthews, deputy head of the UK Mission to ASEAN and Political–Security Counsellor, said the UK looks forward to working with ASEAN to advance priorities such as strengthening health security, accelerating the green transition, promoting economic integration, and highlighting the role of women in peace and security.

He also noted ASEAN’s recent initiatives on youth, peace and security as evidence of efforts to empower younger generations, affirming that the United Kingdom stands ready to support youth engagement and dialogue across the region.

Dao Minh Hoang, a Vietnamese delegate, told the Vietnam News Agency that exchanges and discussions at the event provide a valuable space for ASEAN youth to share skills and experiences, while strengthening connections and cooperation among young people in the region.

Such interactions, he noted, contribute to promoting solidarity and positive development directions for the region amid an increasingly complex global environment.

At the workshop, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of building the ASEAN Community, including the pillars of the ASEAN Vision 2045, the regional geopolitical context and ASEAN cooperation mechanisms.

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

Delegates also took part in field trips to ASEAN-related institutions and technology companies in Jakarta to gain deeper insights into cooperation between regional institutions and the private sector in advancing shared priorities.

The workshop serves as a preparatory step for the AFF Youth Roundtable, expected to be held in Hanoi, where young delegates will continue discussions and finalise the AFF Youth Vision 2030 Declaration, reflecting the aspirations of Southeast Asian youth for a peaceful, innovative and sustainable region.

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