Interface between ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and ASEAN Youth within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024

The Interface had the participation of Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General; Mr. Do Hung Viet, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, Head of the SOM (Vietnam Senior Officials Meeting) Leaders of Vietnam; Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Committee on Youth of Viet Nam, Head of the Vietnamese Senior Officials on Youth (SOMY); the Ambassadors and young diplomats from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. Besides, DAV also welcomed representatives from the Central Committee of the Youth Union, youth delegations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries and departments involved in ASEAN cooperation; Youth Union of DAV and other Universities in Ha Noi. In addition, the Interface virtually connected with youth representatives from ASEAN Member States and youth from all 63 provinces and cities nationwide. Ms. Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Miss Grand International 2021, Outstanding Young Face of Viet Nam, delivered her speech representing Vietnamese youth at the Interface.

In her opening remarks, Amb. Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting President of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, warmly welcomed ASEAN Secretary-General, distinguished Ambassadors, Youth representatives from ASEAN Member States, representatives from ministries, departments, central agencies, and provincial youth delegates attending the event. Amb. Dr. Pham Lan Dung emphasized the important role of youth in building a strong and prosperous ASEAN community, highlighting the Interface as a bridge for ASEAN leaders and youth to share challenges, express aspirations, and strengthen the unity, cooperation, and development spirit of the ASEAN Community. She expressed the desire for closer cooperation between the DAV and the ASEAN Secretariat to foster leadership skills and enhance youth participation in addressing regional issues.

Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, emphasized the efforts to develop comprehensive policies and support for the holistic development of Vietnamese youth. He encouraged youth to actively contribute to regional development by improving their skills, and knowledge, exchanging experiences through youth activities. He expressed confidence that youth are the driving force for common aspirations for a politically cohesive, economically strong ASEAN community, contributing to ASEAN's development and maintaining its important position in the international arena.

The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General of Youth Affairs, Mr. Felipe Paullier, highly praised the importance of ASEAN youth, a part of global youth, in promoting the successful implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He hoped that ASEAN youth would contribute more to the policy-making process and propose new initiatives and ideas for the development of nations, regions, communities, and the world.

In his keynote address, ASEAN Secretary-General, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the responsibility of the young generation in promoting, building, and developing cultural, economic, and social values, playing a vital role in shaping the socio-economic structure and future development of the Southeast Asian region. He also praised Viet Nam's proactive role in leveraging the youth in the region and stated that the Interface with ASEAN youth was an important step for young people to actively engage in coping with challenges, sharing new ideas, and perspectives for a sustainable and prosperous ASEAN Community. Especially, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn inspired young people with the message: "Dare to dream, live your life with purposes, believe in yourselves, and learn as much as possible to develop". He also encouraged them to leverage youth and early awareness of their roles and responsibilities in developing their passions and directions for personal development, thereby contributing to the common mission of the ASEAN community.

Miss Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Outstanding Young Face of 2021, affirmed the importance of preserving and promoting traditional cultural values to create new opportunities for the present and future, forming resources for development. She emphasized the richness of ASEAN countries' heritage as an important contribution to building ASEAN's identity and integration into the international community. Miss. Thuy Tien also expressed a desire to develop programs to preserve and promote culture in the era of globalization.

Youth representatives from Malaysia and Laos also shared ways for ASEAN youth to enhance creativity and sustainable economic development projects. Youth representatives from ASEAN countries also proposed many ideas and initiatives to address common regional issues, contributing to building a united and strong ASEAN.

The Interface between ASEAN Secretary-General H.E.Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and ASEAN Youth concluded successfully in a lively and open atmosphere, highlighting the role of ASEAN youth in shaping the future of the Community. The event also contributed to affirming and enhancing Viet Nam's position in the region and internationally.

For the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, this is an important diplomatic event that helps promote the positive image and values of the Academy to friends and partners in Viet Nam and other countries.