ASEM Youth Week opens in Hanoi

The 2016 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Youth Week and Model ASEM themed ‘Stronger Actions to Address Zero Hunger Challenge’ opened in Hanoi on April 1.

Delegates pose for a photo at the opening ceremony.
Delegates pose for a photo at the opening ceremony.

>> ASEM Youth Week to take place in Hanoi, Quang Ninh

Addressing the opening ceremony, First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee (HYU) Dang Quoc Toan noted that the youth in ASEM member countries have never had so many opportunities and challenges.

The development of the intellectual economy and scientific and technological accomplishments has improves daily life and helps people become closer to each other, while bettering mutual understanding and co-operation, Toan said.

However, globalisation poses numerous challenges as natural resources are running out, together with dangers of climate change, environmental pollution, natural disasters, diseases, terrorism, trans-national crimes and the gap between the rich and the poor, greatly affecting young people, he added.

The youth union’s official noted the shortage of opportunities for young people to take part in building policies and resolving global and national issues. Many have few chances to access high-quality education, sufficient health care and ensured jobs and incomes, preventing socio-economic development in each nation, in Asian and European regions and around the world.

Through playing the roles of Asian and European leaders to discuss measures to address the zero hunger challenge and based on political, economic and social aspects, young delegates will make suggestions on promoting ASEM young people’s co-operation and their participation in resolving regional and global issues.

Toan expressed his belief that the ASEM Youth Week would be a bridge linking young people in ASEM member countries, contributing to enhancing friendship among the countries’ people.

This is the first time Vietnam hosts the event, attracting over 100 students and young people from nearly 30 ASEM member countries.

They will hear two specialised reports on the situation of hunger eradication and poverty reduction in ASEM member countries, and the role of businesses in creating jobs for young people.

They will also play the roles of high-level leaders of ASEM members to discuss the forum’s three pillars: politics, economics and socio-culture. A joint declaration will be adopted at the model ASEM’s closing ceremony.

In addition, the delegates will join volunteer activities, visit business models of young people in Quang Ninh, present gifts to disadvantaged children and take part in other cultural and exchange activities.

The programme is organised by the HYU, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), the British Council in Vietnam and the ASEF University Alumni Network (ASEFUAN) to mark the 85th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union’s establishment (March 26, 1931-2016) and the 20th anniversary of Vietnam’s participation in the ASEM (1996-2016).