Page 5 - Asia Speaks

Foreward Message
Salam Sejahtera, Peace be upon you.
Asia, home to inter-faith, multi-lingual, and diverse identities, has been shaped by centuries of trade routes and political
exchanges between neighbours and with the rest of the world. Such had borne witness not only to the richness of its shared historicities but to the continuous pursuit of regional co-existence. In recent years, Asia has been the centre of international discourse, as it positions itself back on the world map as an economic thrust, while at the same time confronting emerging forms of transnational security. With over 60% of the world ‘s youths living in Asia-Pacific, Asia is not only the future but is the present. The good news is - young Asians have been agents for peace and development in the region. They have primarily been forming a movement of inclusion and justice in their spaces of influence.
Since 2017, International Youth Centre Kuala Lumpur has marked a 5-year SDG planning and a positive journey that focuses on the development of Indigenous people, Young Women and Youth in the rural area in Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). It based on the UNDP recommendation at that time, which categorized the groups mentioned above in the top position to be strengthened. To date, IYC Kuala Lumpur has partnered with NGOs and Social Entrepreneurs to succeed in various initiatives including leadership, community training, relevant facilities, volunteerism, provision of clean water and education. For a long-term plan, IYC KL hopes to train more volunteers and social entrepreneurs to widen the benefits and goals of sustainable
development to the community, including for the urban beneficiaries towards enhancing urban
resilience.
Asia Speaks Forum is a platform for the youth leaders to voice out their ideas related to sustainability of Asian region using Asian
formula and aims to invite and encourage all parties especially the youths to feel and to appreciate the spirit of unity in Asia. This aim has become the commitment of Asian Youth Council (AYC), in which we always hold to the principle of Peace and Democracy, towards more resilient, safe and sustainable Asia.
Previous prosperous Asia Speaks forum was in Colombo, Sri Lanka (themed: Youth Power); which was attended by our Minister Youth and Sports Malaysia. The second one was at Bogor Agriculture University, Indonesia (themed: Food Security), and we are looking forward to more phases in six Southeast Asia countries in March 2020.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartiest appreciation to the Government of Malaysia (through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia), who funded this noble initiative through the International Youth Centre Foundation. Not to forget, all parties involved in ensuring
the success of this event, especially our partners, University of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Japan, Asian Youth Council, Asian Youth Network, and Asian Youth Academy.
May this platform contribute to young people’s development in Asia. All of the inputs that we gather here will be documented in the State of Urban Youth in Asia report and highlighted to the higher level, possibly UN-Habitat.
I hope all of you will enjoy and have a meaningful forum session!
DR. MOHAMED MALIKI MOHAMED RAPIEE
Director of International Youth Centre Kuala Lumpur (IYCKL) / Secretary- General of Asian Youth Council (AYC)
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