Real Voices, Shared Purpose: Youth Reflections from the ASEAN Regional Children’s Consultation
- Singapore Children's Forum
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
In May 2025, three youth delegates supported by Singapore Children’s Society represented Singapore at the ASEAN Regional Children’s Consultation in Jakarta, Indonesia. Together with their peers from across Southeast Asia, they discussed how ASEAN and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) can strengthen efforts to better protect children’s rights.
The consultation was held in support of ASEAN’s Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children (RPA-EVAC) — a framework guiding regional efforts to protect children from all forms of violence. Below, the delegates reflect on their experience— what they learned, what moved them, what youth participation means and their aspirations going forward.
Setting the Stage: From National to Regional
In April 2025, twenty youths from across Singapore gathered at RoundBox for a Youth Consultation. The purpose was to hear directly from youths on issues that mattered deeply to them — including violence against children, online safety, and climate change. This consultation exercise laid the groundwork for the regional consultation that followed.
From this group, Louis, Paige and Azizi were selected through a peer-led process to represent Singapore at the regional meeting. They were also chosen for their ability to reflect the diversity of views expressed by all the other youth during the national consultation.
Paige described being “deeply honoured to represent our voices” at the ASEAN Regional Children’s Consultation in Jakarta the following month.
What We Did in Jakarta
The Jakarta conference brought together youth from across the ASEAN region for three transformative days of dialogue, learning and cross-cultural exchange. Together, they developed collective inputs for the RPA-EVAC* and prepared to present their perspectives during an interface meeting with ASEAN officials.
For Louis, the experience underscored just how vital it is to prioritise the promotion and protection of human rights in the region — particularly for women and children. He noted that these issues often remain abstract or invisible until they are voiced directly by those affected, which made these youth discussions both powerful and necessary.
Online safety was another major focus. Paige observed that many youth shared personal experiences of cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and unkind treatment online.
"What stood out was the need for platforms and policies that centre young people’s realities — especially those who are more vulnerable."
She also noted the persistent digital access challenges faced by her fellow delegate, a visually impaired youth — a reminder that while the digital world offers promise, not all young people benefit equally.
Reflecting on the full range of discussions, Azizi shared:
“It was fun, eye-opening and kind of wild to see how even though we’re all from different countries, we’re fighting for the same things. It really showed me that change doesn’t happen alone — it happens through conversations, community and people coming together.”
Each day in Jakarta blended hard work with community-building.
After thoughtful deliberations on root causes and solutions, the youth explored the city together with other youth delegates — trading laughter, cultural insights and forging friendships that transcended borders.
On the final day, delegates had the rare opportunity to engage directly with AICHR. Together with their peers, they took part in a dialogue with policymakers — people in positions to shape future action. The official meeting ended with a tour of the ASEAN Headquarters.
Stories That Stay With Us
Each participant brought their own story — and left with many more.
Paige’s roommate, a youth from Myanmar, shared her journey of forced migration to Chiang Mai because of ongoing conflict.
“These interactions,” Paige reflected, “anchored the consultation in raw, lived experiences, reminding us that statistics pale in comparison to human stories.”
Azizi was similarly moved during a group discussion, when a delegate shared how their village had been severely affected by floods and forced displacement.
“That’s when it clicked — these issues we always talk about, like climate change or access to clean water, they’re not just about headlines or school topics. People are living through them.”
It reminded him how easy it is to take things like clean air or safe spaces for granted.
For Louis, a quote shared during one of the sessions left a lasting mark:
“Children contribute the least to climate change, but they suffer the most from it.” He added: “They’re born into a world already on fire, and before they get a say, they’re already coughing from the smoke.”
Looking Forward: What Youth Can Do
Azizi reflected on how inspired he felt by his fellow delegates. The experience left him with a strong sense that young people have far more influence than they often realise and that real change begins when they show up, speak out and care.
Louis echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of listening to the diverse voices of children and youth. He stressed that inclusive dialogue is essential — not just for today’s decisions, but to ensure future generations are not left to carry the same burdens.
As Paige shared in her reflection:
“This experience has etched into my consciousness the importance of empathy, advocacy and youth-led change. I carry with me the voices I heard, the friendships I formed and the belief that our region can — and must — build a future where every child grows up free from violence, empowered to thrive.”
📘 Did You Know?
RPA-EVAC stands for ASEAN’s Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children. It outlines how ASEAN member states can work together to prevent and respond to violence — from stronger laws and reporting systems to education and awareness.
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) is a regional body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights across Southeast Asia.
Youth are increasingly included in these efforts — through consultations like this one, where their lived experiences help shape regional policy conversations.
👥 Meet the Delegates
Paige (17) loves learning and serving, treasures meaningful connections and is passionate about psychology and exploring mental health. She strives to support youth in unleashing their kindest, noblest potential.
Louis (16) loves games, enjoys running and going to the gym. He’s curious about the human condition and is especially interested in understanding how people think and behave.
Azizi (15) is passionate about youth empowerment and creating safe spaces. Floorball keeps him active, but what really drives him is being there for others and helping people be heard.
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