With support from the U.S. Government through the ASEAN-U.S. Partnership for Good Governance, Equitable and Sustainable Development and Security project, the ASEAN International Commission on Human Rights/Malaysia organized the 3rd Annual Youth Debate from September 22 to 23 Kuala Lumpur. “Realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Context of ASEAN Human Rights Declaration” raised awareness and understanding among ASEAN youth on the importance of promoting and protecting human rights under the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, which ASEAN heads of states adopted in 2012, further linking it with the Sustainable Development Goals. Students spent the first day learning about the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, getting to know their new teammates from around the region and preparing their positions for debate on five of the 17 goals. The goals discussed in five sessions included: Good Health & Well-Being (#3); Gender Equality (#5); Decent Work & Economic Growth (#8); Climate Action (#13); and Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (#16).

The youth debates provided a powerful platform for students to express their generation’s aspirations and ideas on issues pertaining to human rights by identifying challenges and coming up with potential solutions to some of the most pressing and controversial regional human rights issues. The program helps build personal relationships among the 30 competitively selected students from 10 ASEAN member states.

"Take this opportunity to learn about human rights issues in ASEAN, but also to build friendship, to bond and network as you will be the future leaders for ASEAN as we celebrate its 50th years anniversary," said the Thailand Representative to the AICHR Seree Nonthasoot.

AICHR-Thailand will host the fourth debate next year in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in September 2017. 

ASEAN-U.S. Partnership for Good Governance, Equitable and Sustainable Development and Security is a joint project of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. State Department and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).