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:
The European Union (EU), 2024. ‘Youth Survey 2024’ the EU
Tsouparopoulou, E., Symeonaki, M. et al, 2025 ‘European Youth and Digital Engagement: Attitudes, Skills, and Civic Participation’, Springer
It’s so cool to see young people getting involved! But honestly, lots of us don’t even know where to start. Sharing info and spreading the word is key to making sure everyone gets a chance to speak up.
We agreed to your point! When information is easy to find and share, it lowers the barrier for young people who want to get involved but aren’t sure where to begin.
What’s awesome is when youth voices actually make a difference—but that only happens if we know about opportunities. Awareness is like the gateway to change, and sharing info helps unlock it.
We’ve seen inspiring examples where youth-led initiatives have driven social innovation, environmental action, and community leadership. Sharing information not only unlocks possibilities but also builds a stronger network of engaged youth ready to lead.
Sometimes it feels like adults don’t take youth seriously, right? But when we get informed and engaged, there’s no stopping us.
Absolutely agree! Youth voices bring fresh ideas and real energy to the table. When young people are informed and actively involved, they can drive incredible change. It’s so important for adults to listen, support, and create spaces where youth can lead and be taken seriously.
It’s nice to see that the young people in Asia and Europe can have many platforms to involve themselves in science, technology, leadership and electoral processes. It is also encouraging to know that their voices are heard and their initiatives are supported by both the community and parliament. This illustrates that the young generations hold the key to a better future.
Thank you for your insightful comment! It’s indeed inspiring to see these platforms in action, empowering young people not just to have a voice, but to become active architects of their future.