The philippines: The Philippines, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), formally opened on Wednesday the ASEAN Youth Summit 2026 as part of its push to produce a more 'digitally-responsible' youth in the region. The summit gathers youth leaders from across ASEAN to elicit insights on ways to shape the bloc's policies on digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital resilience.
According to Philippines News Agency, throughout the summit, a fundamental question was posed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian in his opening statement at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Gatchalian emphasized the need for collective input, stating, "The government cannot answer that question alone; we need the energy, the creativity, and the leadership of young people. It must reflect your voices, respond to your realities, and create opportunities for every young person across our region."
The two-day gathering, running from Aug. 5 to 6, is expected to culminate in the ASEAN Youth Declaration on Digital Resilience as its outcome document. Gatchalian urged participants to craft a declaration that is "practical, forward-looking, and bold," aiming to reflect the aspirations of young people across Southeast Asia while challenging governments, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to take action.
The summit is held in coordination with the National Youth Commission (NYC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It will focus on key themes such as Critical Digital Literacy for an Informed ASEAN Youth; Digital Resilience and Mental Well-being in the Online World; Youth Empowerment in Digital Governance; and Using Technology for Advocacy and Innovation.
The ASEAN Youth Summit is part of the major activities of the DSWD's chairship of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, under the "Smart Youth and Innovation" thematic framework.
