Jakarta, Indonesia, November 20-22, 2024 — Carlo Eric Villas, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student from West Visayas State University (WVSU), made a significant mark on the international stage by representing the university and the Philippines at the ASEAN Youth Conference 2024, brought together young leaders and change-makers from across the region to discuss challenges and opportunities in multilateral cooperation.
ASEAN Youth Conference 2024: Fostering Cooperation Among ASEAN Youth
The ASEAN Youth Conference 2024 gathered around 100 aspiring youth leaders and change-makers from ASEAN countries and beyond. This year’s conference aimed to enhance collaboration between young leaders, encouraging them to share insights on how to strengthen multilateral ties across ASEAN member states. Participants also focused on increasing youth participation in creating tangible impacts in governance, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.
Throughout the conference, delegates engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and forum, focusing on ASEAN’s pillars—Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural. The highlight of the conference was the collaborative effort to draft the ASEAN Youth Vision, a document that captures the aspirations of the region’s youth and will be submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat for consideration in future policies.
Best Delegate: A Symbol of Excellence
Among the many highlights of the ASEAN Youth Conference 2024, one of the most notable achievements was Carlo Eric Villas being recognized with the Best Delegate Award. This accolade is awarded to delegates who demonstrate outstanding leadership, insight, and dedication throughout the conference. Villas’ exceptional performance during discussions and his ability to articulate Filipino perspectives on critical regional issues earned him high praise from fellow participants and mentors.
Villas was particularly noted for his contributions to discussions on political-security cooperation in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in diplomacy and policy-making. His passion for inclusive governance and sustainable development shone throughout the conference, leading to his well-deserved recognition.
Villa’s Reflections: A Proud Moment for WVSU
Reflecting on his experience, Villas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent WVSU and the Philippines at such a prestigious event.
“This experience has been nothing short of incredible, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent our ideas and collaborate with such passionate young leaders from across the region. We hope that these youth-driven recommendations would be reflected in future policy decisions in the region and that ASEAN would continue to provide more opportunities for the youth to be involved in shaping the region’s future”, he said.
Villas emphasized that the conference strengthened his resolve to continue advocating for youth participation in local and regional governance.
The WVSU community celebrated Villas’ achievement, recognizing it as a testament to the caliber of education and leadership training provided by the institution. The university’s administration extended their congratulations, noting that Villas’ success highlights WVSU’s commitment to nurturing students who are prepared to make a positive impact on a global scale.
Building the ASEAN Youth Vision
One of the key outcomes of the ASEAN Youth Conference 2024 was the collaborative creation of the ASEAN Youth Vision. Delegates, guided by facilitators and mentors, addressed pressing issues under the three ASEAN pillars. Their recommendations focused on improving regional cooperation, fostering economic growth, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing regional security.
Carlo Eric Villas’ recognition as the Best Delegate underscored the vital role that young leaders play in ASEAN’s progress. His achievements at the ASEAN Youth Conference 2024 reflect the growing influence of youth in regional governance and diplomacy, paving the way for a more inclusive and forward-thinking ASEAN community.
