Dialogue on Peace and Multilateralism: The Youth as the Agents of Future Change
Wednesday, 21 September 2022
Dialogue on Peace and Multilateralism: The Youth as the Agents of Future Change
Over 125 participants attended Dialogue on Peace and Multilateralism: The Youth as the Agents of Future Change that was conducted on 21 September 2022 in Erasmus Huis, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This joint event is organised in order to raise awareness on the role of youth in peacebuilding, especially amongst the youth in Jakarta. The joint event also marks the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, the tenth Anniversary of the ASEAN-Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) and also to celebrate the accession of the Netherlands to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
The event was opened by remarks from the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Amb. Lambert Grijns and the Executive Director of ASEAN-IPR H.E. Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja.
Ambassador Grijns stated that peace is not self-evident and a common goal, towards we can all contribute. He also emphasised that conflicts in distant places can have an effect to our immediate environment. He encouraged all participants to be curious, make connections and learn from each other.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of ASEAN-IPR explained the ways ASEAN-IPR engaged and incorporated the youth into the institution’s work through various projects, initiatives and collaborations as a gradual step to promote the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda. The opening remarks was followed by a cutting cake ceremony to celebrate the tenth Anniversary of ASEAN-IPR.
The Dialogue was also graced by the Keynote Speech from H.E. Amb. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN. He highlighted that conflict in a country can have a negative effect on the entire region, so it is the duty of the international community to explore ways to achieve peace. In order to do so, it is important to incorporate all layers of society in peace process and create collective conversation on peace. He emphasised that polarisation of interest can pose obstacles to dialogue.
The Panel Discussion was moderated by Mr. Timor-el Dardiry (Diplomat). Four contributors and experts on promotion of peace in their respective fields were invited as resource person, namely: Ms. Maresa Oosterman (The Head of Political Department of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Dr. Arifah Rahmawati (ASEAN Women for Peace Registry), Ratu Bintang Assyifa Arweys, (ASEAN Youth Peace Figure Indonesia), Dr. Lidewyde Berckmoes (Anthropologist on Intergenerational trauma transmission of conflict), Alpius Uropmabin, (Winner of the Social Media 4 Peace Project – Category of Training Participants). Each speaker shared their perspective and understanding towards the ways peace should be promoted and achieved by looking at their unique experience. In the Discussion, the speakers emphasized the importance of youth as the agents of future change to participate in peace processes and peacebuilding at multilateral, regional and national frameworks in order to achieve sustainable peace. Furthermore, the discussion was continued in the intimate conversation settings through a knowledge café. Through 15-minutes rotating sessions, the participants were provided the opportunity to converse more personally and pose further questions to each resource person.
The event was closed by the announcement of the ASEAN-IPR Youth Essay Competition about the role of youth in peace processes and conflict resolution, which will be held in the near future. Please be sure to follow our social media for the latest information and/or updates on the Youth Essay Competition or other activities and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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