NEWS

The ACSDSD communications interviewed the dynamic core team of ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting (AFMAM), featuring Marisa Khan (President, AFMAM 2025), Coleen Shwetin Tal (Co-Vice President), Alex Chairat Dipho (Co-Vice President), and Patty (Secretary). These country coordinators is set to establish AFMAM in Thailand to create “Waves of Cooperation,” empowering youth with ASEAN diplomacy to realize how diplomacy begins at home.
Here is their insights gathered from the ASEAN headquarters in 2024.

ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting (AFMAM) is a flagship youth engagement initiative by the ASEAN Foundation, designed to deepen understanding of ASEAN and strengthen a shared regional identity among students across Southeast Asia.

Youth Leadership in Sustainable Development

AFMAM Thailand defines sustainable development as a balance of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, with youth at the center as community leaders. Their initiatives connect strongly to SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education), while their current theme, “Wave of Cooperation,” highlights maritime security and its link to SDG Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

The initiative reflects ASEAN’s consensus-driven approach to inclusive growth by equipping youth with hands-on experience in ASEAN-style policymaking, strengthening their roles in climate action, poverty reduction, and long-term resilience through structured training and expert engagement. They will hold a training program on 11th January 2025 with featuring experts and guest speakers, including the faculty of political science from Thammasat University.

 

ASEAN’s Role in Advancing Sustainability
Their suggestions: Youth inclusion, climate communication, and local voices

The AFMAM Thailand team reflected on ASEAN’s consensus-driven approach, underscoring its commitment to inclusive growth across all member states. Coleen pointed to the way ASEAN listen to youth and gives them decision spaces, while Alex highlighted ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in building resilience through education on climate action to protect the communities from climate-induced disasters. Patty reminded the group of the collective responsibility to ensure sustainable development benefits everyone, no matter their background. Closing the discussion, Marisa called for human-centered policies that align with ASEAN’s three pillars that shape the future with care for both economic and social impact, ensuring no one is left behind.

 

Youth-Inclusive Policy Making Discussion

The AFMAM team discussed their message to policymakers, with Marisa emphasizing the need for people-oriented and invite key stakeholders for policy-making stages. 

Coleen agreed on inclusivity and highlighted the importance of creating spaces for youth voices.
“While degree and qualifications is important, they should not barred the involved stakeholders from speaking up for their communities. I believe that local youth have so much potential that needs to be amplified” Coleen said. On the other hand, Alex stressed the need for better communications on climate action. ASEAN is a region of climate-induced disasters, more people needs to be aware so that they could be protected.

Connect with them:
Instagram: AFMAM.TH

Facebook: Model ASEAN Thailand