» KKU Center for ASEAN Studies Hosts “ASEAN DAY 2025” —ASEAN 2045: Youth Voices for Our Shared Future (377 Views)

On August 8, 2025, at the Multipurpose Building (Sim) of the Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, the Center for ASEAN Studies, in collaboration with the Mekong Institute, and Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Architecture, organized “ASEAN DAY 2025” under the theme “ASEAN 2045: Youth Voices for Our Shared Future”, to mark the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The event drew enthusiastic participation from students, young people, academic personnel, members of civil society, and interested attendees from diverse sectors.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Mr. Somsack Vilaythone, Consul General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Khon Kaen. The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Yingsawad Chaiyakul, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, with welcome remarks delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Keeratiporn Jutaviriya, Acting Director of the ASEAN Studies Center, and Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute.The morning began vibrantly with performances by international students (from Indonesia) and an ASEAN traditional costume show, showcasing the region’s rich cultural diversity and leaving a colorful and memorable impression on attendees.

This was followed by a well-received academic session, starting with a special keynote speech on “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future in a Disrupted World” by Ambassador Sayakane Sisouvong, President of the Lao Diplomatic Club and former ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the Socio-Cultural Community.

Next came an expert panel discussion on “From Vision to Action: Youth, Resilience, and Inclusive ASEAN 2045”, featuring Ambassador Sayakane Sisouvong, Mr. Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, former ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the Socio-Cultural Community, and Ms. Jitsai Santaputra, Thai youth representative at COP29.

The afternoon featured interactive workshops under the theme “ASEAN 2045 in My Life: Jobs, Skills, Climate, Identity, and Mobility”, led by subject-matter experts. Participants shared perspectives on future career development, essential skills, climate change, and multicultural coexistence, culminating in policy recommendations for the regional level.

Participants expressed appreciation for the event’s inclusive format, which encouraged youth to voice diverse opinions while drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of expert speakers. The program also fostered greater awareness of their role in shaping ASEAN’s future.

 

This event served as an important platform for youth engagement in promoting sustainability, diversity, and regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of environment, education, and social participation.

“ASEAN DAY 2025” thus marks a significant step in building knowledge, understanding, and networks among a new generation ready to collectively lead ASEAN toward 2045 with stability and sustainability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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