Regional commitment, empowering youth: Discussion forum on the ASEAN regional study on youth, peace and security

HELEN BERENTS AND ERIKA YAGUE |

On 19 September 2025, the Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) hosted the Regional Commitment, Empowering Youth: Discussion Forum on the ASEAN Regional Study on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). Held in hybrid format in Brisbane and online, it brought together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and youth peacebuilders from across Southeast Asia and Australia as part of the International Day of Peace celebrations.

The discussion forum centred on the ASEAN-IPR YPS Regional Study, with lead author Erika Yague, which is a landmark initiative that reinforces ASEAN’s recognition of youth as essential partners in building and sustaining peace. It directly supports ASEAN’s efforts to localise and implement the global Youth, Peace and Security agenda, as articulated in UN Security Council Resolutions 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018), and 2535 (2020). [Resolution 2250 was groundbreaking as it was the first time youth were recognised by the UN Security Council as positive contributors to peace, rather than just as potential peace spoilers or victims.

With over 224 million young people aged 15 to 35 — one-third of Southeast Asia’s population — youth represent both a powerful demographic and a vital peace dividend for the region. Their meaningful inclusion in peace and security policymaking is essential, as they are already leading transformative efforts across ASEAN for peace, justice, human rights, and climate action.

A milestone for youth, peace and security in ASEAN

The ASEAN-IPR YPS Regional Study, led by the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) in collaboration with UN Women, UN DPPA (Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs) and youth peacebuilders across ASEAN Member States, marks a major step forward in recognising youth as active partners in peacebuilding. The study’s findings reflect the collective contributions of youth, academia, and regional experts, with Erika Yague from GAI leading the research team. The study provides policy and programme recommendations for ASEAN Member States, international partners, and youth actors. It aims to strengthen implementation of the YPS Agenda across Southeast Asia, promote inclusive peacebuilding, and support collaborative initiatives that empower young people to lead in sustaining peace and security.

Voices of youth leadership and regional collaboration

After an overview of the study from Erika Yague, and the context of ASEAN’s work provided by ASEAN-IPR’s Kartika Wijayanti, the discussion forum featured two dynamic panels showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences:

Panel 1, chaired by Erika Yague, spotlighted Southeast Asia’s Youth Leadership, featuring Lynrose Jane Genon (Philippines), Tito Tri Kadafi (Indonesia), and Paul Sigar (Australia), who drew on their own experiences as peacebuilders across the region. The discussion explored practical models of youth inclusion that ASEAN could scale up, from Tito’s grassroots initiatives in Indonesia that foster dialogue, to Lynrose’s insights on integrating digital innovation and gender equality into peacebuilding, to Paul’s call for stronger accountability between institutions and youth groups. Together, they highlighted how meaningful and institutionalised youth participation is key to advancing peace and security in ASEAN and beyond.

Panel 2, chaired by Dr Helen Berents, explored Cross-Cutting Issues of Regional Peace and Security with Sophia Dianne C. Garcia (Global Network of Women Peacebuilders), Hardya Prandipa (UNODC), and Mridul Upadhyay (UNDP). The discussion highlighted how peace and security intersect with gender equality, P/CVE, transnational crime, and governance, while emphasising the crucial role of institutions in creating enabling environments for youth leadership. Speakers underscored the need for sustained mentorship, inclusive policy spaces, and institutional partnerships that equip and empower young people to lead initiatives and shape lasting solutions for peace across ASEAN.

Throughout the discussions, there is a cumulative call for meaningful and systematic support for youth engagement, which is essential for building resilient and peaceful societies. Participants called for stronger partnerships between governments, academia, and civil society to sustain youth-led peace initiatives and ensure accountability in implementing the study’s recommendations.

Looking ahead

The event reinforced Griffith Asia Institute’s ongoing commitment to fostering regional dialogue, research, and collaboration that elevate youth voices in peace and security. As ASEAN and its partners move forward in localising the YPS agenda, the study and discussions from this forum provide a vital foundation for future action. Further, this focus on youth and peacebuilding in the region comes at a timely moment, as the 10th anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda under UN Security Council Resolution 2250 approaches this December.

The ASEAN-IPR YPS Regional Study is not only a research output but also a call to respond with evidence-based action that centres the voices of young people. By investing in the leadership, creativity, and agency of young people, the region can build a more inclusive, peaceful, and secure future for all.

For those who missed the discussion, you can watch the full recording below and access the ASEAN-IPR YPS Regional Study.