Youth Voices Drive ASEAN’s Future at YALPI 2026 Hosted by Chula
The Office of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy and the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, together with the Young ASEAN Leaders Policy Initiative Club (Academic Affairs Division, Political Science Student Union), organized the 10th Young ASEAN Leaders Policy Initiative (YALPI 2026) from March 30 to April 3, 2026, at Chulalongkorn University.
The conference was held under the theme “Walking Together in a Warming World: Strengthening and Modernizing the Economy, Adapting Quickly for a Resilient ASEAN.”
The event was honored by distinguished national and regional figures who delivered opening remarks, including:
- Ms. Suchada Maktara, Deputy Director-General of the ASEAN Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Bhanubhatra Jittiang, Thailand’s Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation
Their participation highlighted the importance of youth-driven policy development.
This conference aimed to provide a platform for 26 youth leaders from ASEAN member countries, along with over 91 student organizers, to exchange creative and comprehensive policy perspectives. Key focus areas included climate change, environmental sustainability, and economic transition.
Its primary goal was to collaboratively develop practical policy approaches and mechanisms that can be implemented in target areas—encouraging all sectors to reduce environmental impact and strengthening ASEAN’s capacity to become a global model for sustainable economic development.
YALPI 2026 serves as an important mechanism for fostering cooperation and building networks among youth leaders under the concept of “Thriving Together,” which emphasizes balanced and sustainable growth across the ASEAN region in the long term.
The success of this event not only reflects the vital role of the younger generation in shaping the region’s future but also marks a significant step in demonstrating that youth voices are a powerful force in driving ASEAN toward genuine progress and sustainability.