%20Logo%20(Full%20Colour).png)
Real voices, shared purpose: Youth reflections from the ASEAN Regional Children’s Consultation
7 August 2025
In May 2025, three young people supported by Singapore Children's Society travelled to Jakarta, Indonesia to represent Singapore at the ASEAN Regional Children's Consultation. Alongside peers from across Southeast Asia, they joined a regional conversation about how ASEAN and its human rights body, AICHR, can do more to protect children's rights.
The consultation was held in support of the Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children (RPA-EVAC)— a regional framework for protecting children from all forms of violence. Here, the three delegates reflect on what they experienced, what moved them, and what they're carrying forward.
Before Jakarta: Starting at home
The journey began a month earlier. In April 2025, twenty young people from across Singapore gathered at RoundBox for a national youth consultation. The platform was a space to speak openly about issues that mattered to them, from violence against children to online safety and climate change.
Three delegates, Louis, Paige and Azizi were then selected through a peer-led process to bring those voices to the regional stage— chosen not just for themselves, but to reflect the full range of perspectives shared at the national consultation.
One of them described the moment simply: Paige felt "deeply honoured to represent our voices."
What they did in Jakarta
The Jakarta consultation brought youth from across ASEAN together for three days of dialogue, learning and cross-cultural exchange. Together, they developed collective inputs for the RPA-EVAC and prepared to present their perspectives directly to ASEAN officials.
For Louis, the experience made something abstract clearer— that human rights, especially for women and children, often remain invisible until the people affected speak up. These conversations, he felt, were both powerful and necessary.
Online safety surfaced as a major theme. Paige noticed how many delegates shared personal experiences of cyberbullying, 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 saw, up close, how unequal digital access can be— particularly for a fellow delegate who was visually impaired. The digital world holds real promise, but not everyone gets to access it on equal terms.
Azizi found something unexpected in the shared struggle across borders:
“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 mixed hard work with genuine connection. After deliberating on root causes and solutions, delegates explored the city together, trading stories, laughter and friendships that stretched across national lines.
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.
On the final day, they got something rare: a direct dialogue with AICHR policymakers, the people in a position to shape what comes next. The official meeting ended with a tour of the ASEAN Headquarters.
The stories that stay
Every delegate arrived with their own story and left carrying many more.
Paige's roommate, a youth from Myanmar, shared what it meant to be forced to leave home 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.”
What comes next
Azizi came home inspired and convinced that young people have far more power to create change than they often believe. He mentioned that showing up and speaking out is where it starts.
Louis stressed the importance of truly listening to the diverse voices of children and youth— not just for the decisions being made today, but so future generations don't inherit the same unresolved struggles.
Paige put it this way:
“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.”
📘 A quick explainer
RPA-EVAC is ASEAN's Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children. It’s a shared commitment among member states to prevent and respond to violence through stronger laws, reporting systems, education and awareness.
AICHR (ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights) is the regional body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights across Southeast Asia.
Young people are increasingly part of these processes. Consultations like this one exist precisely because lived experience belongs in the room when policy is being shaped.
👥 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.
Themes:
Mental Health, Online Safety, Climate Change