The youth hold the key to our future, which makes engagement with them and between them, today, crucial. Their participation enables the co-creation of policies that reflect their aspirations and address their challenges. In ASEAN, the youth makes up about one-third of the population, while in the European Union (EU), they represent roughly 12–15%. Across Asia, youth engagement often focuses on economic opportunities, digital innovation, and tackling challenges such as poverty and climate change. Regional efforts like the Trilateral Cooperation Youth Exchanges among China, Japan and South Korea, the ASEAN Youth Camp for Sustainable Development and ASEAN Youth Dialogue help amplify youth voices and leadership. In the EU, the EU Youth Dialogue and the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 provide platforms to boost participation, including a “youth check” mechanism to integrate youth needs into EU legislative proposals starting in 2025. Notably, youth electoral participation rose by 14% in the 2019 European Parliament elections, reaching a 42% turnout among under-25s, although this momentum declined by 6% in the 2024 elections. Between the two regions, there are joint initiatives to promote youth engagement, such as the EU-ASEAN Youth Exchange on Sustainable Urban Development, Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN and ERASMUS alumni, which connect young people in areas such as climate action and education. 

Notwithstanding, strengthening youth engagement has its social and economic challenges. Many young people, particularly from rural areas, marginalised communities, or those lacking resources, encounter obstacles in education, digital access and mentorship, which restrict their full participation in society. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening education and institutional mechanisms, enhancing trust and promoting inclusive participation.

ASEF aims to contribute to youth empowerment and dialogue across Asia and Europe through its programmes such as the ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS) – a forum for young professionals and students from Asia and Europe to share ideas, develop leadership skills and engage in dialogue and mutual learning. With emerging trends in science and technology, ASEF also launched the Asia-Europe Science & Technology Initiative for Young Leaders in 2024, connecting academics, diplomats, professionals and students involved in international collaboration in science, technology and innovation.

Sources:

Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), 2024, ‘2024 ESCAP population data sheet’, ESCAP

Cameron Tan and Sarah Lean, 1 August 2025, ‘Fostering Youth Participation in ASEAN Policymaking: Insights from Regional and Global Models’, Vanguard Think Tank

The European Union (EU), 2024. ‘Youth Survey 2024’ the EU

Larasati Indrawagita and Ixora Tri Devi, 23 March 2023, ‘The 1st ASEAN Youth Dialogue: Addressing Challenges, Seizing Opportunities in the 4IR Era’, the ASEAN Magazine, ASEAN Secretariat

Anfrel.org, 28 March 2025, ‘A Seat at the Table: Addressing Youth Underrepresentation in Politics | Data Dive Issue No. 15’, Anfrel.org

Saat, N., Halimatusa’diyah, L. et al, 2025,  ‘Youth and Civic Engagement in Southeast Asia’, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.

Erika Isabel Bulan Yague and Helen Berents, 22 May 2025, ‘The paradox of youth engagement: the role of young people in historical and contemporary Southeast Asian peace’ The Pacific Review

Tsouparopoulou, E., Symeonaki, M. et al, 2025 ‘European Youth and Digital Engagement: Attitudes, Skills, and Civic Participation’, Springer

European Parliament, 17 February 2025, ‘Cost of living and environment are the main concerns of young people in the EU’ European Parliament

Anna Lavizzari, January 2025, ‘Young people’s participation in the 2024 European elections’ European Commission and the Council of Europe in the field of Youth