ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn (third from right) takes a photo with delegates attending the dialogue - Photo: HONG NGUYEN
The auditorium of the Diplomatic Academy in Hanoi was packed with Vietnamese students and young people on the afternoon of April 22, as they welcomed ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn to a dialogue with the region's young generation.
The dialogue also received the participation of many delegates both in person and online, with opinions highly appreciating the role of youth in the future of ASEAN.
Youth voice is increasingly important
Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Nguyen Tuong Lam said that with young people accounting for one-third of ASEAN's population, this will be an important resource to contribute to the socio-economic development of each country, and a decisive factor shaping the future of ASEAN countries.
According to Mr. Lam, the voices and aspirations of young people's ideas need to be heard, recognized and integrated into the decision-making programs of ASEAN leaders.
On the other hand, young people also need to clearly recognize their role and act as pioneers, actively and proactively contributing to the construction and development of the region.
"Please be confident and do not hesitate to contribute ideas and constructive solutions for the future of ASEAN," the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union called on.
Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, spoke at the dialogue - Photo: HONG NGUYEN
At the dialogue, many questions and recommendations were sent to the ASEAN leader, revolving around the main theme of the event, which is the role of youth in shaping the future of ASEAN.
Representing Vietnamese youth, Miss Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien - a typical young Vietnamese face of 2021 - raised concerns about preserving traditional cultural identity in the current context of globalization.
She also hopes to find a solution to promote cultural cooperation among ASEAN countries and find common ground between countries for a better future for all.
"As a member of the younger generation, we believe that we can help shape the future of the region, promote mutual understanding between countries, for common prosperity," Thuy Tien shared.
Miss Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien represents Vietnamese youth to speak at the dialogue - Photo: HONG NGUYEN
Young people should study and read more, find motivation for themselves.
Participating in the online dialogue, Malaysian youth representatives sent to the ASEAN Secretary General their wishes for more support for youth in the fields of education - training, innovation and sustainable development with the environment.
She affirmed that today’s youth have a desire to learn and improve their knowledge, so they hope for an education system that can meet this need. At the same time, in the field of innovation, she hopes for cooperation and guidance for ASEAN youth to turn ideas into concrete products.
The Lao youth representative affirmed that the role of youth in shaping the future of ASEAN is very important. Young people can create positive changes, promote cooperation, solve common challenges, promote economic development, and ensure social equality.
"The question here is how to effectively promote the participation of ASEAN youth in ASEAN activities to ensure common prosperity for the region?", he asked the ASEAN secretary-general.
ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn speaks, emphasizing the important role of youth in the future of ASEAN - Photo: HONG NGUYEN
Eight questions were also sent to Mr. Kao Kim Hourn by Vietnamese youth in particular and ASEAN youth in general at the dialogue. The ASEAN leader listened and answered concerns about how youth can overcome difficulties, have more voices and contribute better to the community and ASEAN.
"The future lies with the young people, ASEAN belongs to all of you," the ASEAN Secretary General said, stressing that he was inspired by the questions the young people asked.
To continue preserving traditional national culture without losing its identity, according to Mr. Kao Kim Hourn, young people first need to clearly understand their own culture to use it as a foundation and maintain it, while at the same time harmoniously accepting other good values from the world.
He also pointed out that although the region is now enjoying peace and prosperity, young people should not take it for granted, but should continue to make efforts to ensure peace and prosperity in the future through investing time, effort and becoming the best version of themselves.
The ASEAN Secretary General called on the region's youth, including Vietnamese youth, to learn more, not only from schools but also from books and other treasures of knowledge.
Volunteering for the community not only helps those around them but also helps young people develop themselves, becoming the best version of themselves.
"You need to realize what you are good at, what field you are good at. Your parents want you to pursue that field, but you realize that it is not your forte. Listen to the voice inside yourself," Mr. Kao Kim Hourn urged, telling the story of how he once wanted to become a doctor, only to realize that it was not his forte.
The ASEAN Secretary General emphasized that young people should not be afraid, should not waste time, but should live with purpose, be motivated and overcome their own shadow.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (center), ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn and Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy Pham Lan Dung cut the ribbon to inaugurate the ASEAN square - Photo: HONG NGUYEN
After the dialogue with ASEAN youth, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son cut the ribbon to inaugurate the ASEAN Square at the Diplomatic Academy.
The dialogue with young people on the afternoon of April 22 was the opening activity within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 opening on April 23 in Hanoi, with the participation of many leaders and senior officials in the region.
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