(KPL)The ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO) held ASEAN Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2024, on April 4-5, in Vientiane.

Attending the meeting were Ambassador of Japan to Laos Mr KOBAYASHI Kenichi, Mr Bouachanh Sihavong Deputy Secretary of Youth Union of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Yukio Kamiya Director of ASEAN Bilateral Relations, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), delegation of approximately 200 participants from ASEAN and Japan countries, including early professionals, entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups, representatives from the public and private sectors, and academia.

Mr FUJIOKA Ryosuke Chief Representative of AMEICC Secretariat remark: On behalf of the AMEICC Secretariat, it is my great honor to address you all at the ASEAN Youth Economic Forum 2024. As you are aware, last year marked the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

“The ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision", which entails ASEAN and Japan co-creating solutions to social issues, was announced, and the AMEICC Secretariat aims to support and embody this co-creation.

This forum offers rich content, including practical site visits in addition to lectures and debates by experts and government officials.

AYEF 2024 is poised to be a pivotal event, bringing together key stakeholders from across the ASEAN region and beyond to address the critical issue of food security and its implications for sustainable economic development.

AYEF 2024, co-organized by AYO and the Mekong Institute (MI), aims to intensively engage all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, including government entities, private firms, and international development organizations. Through capacity development, dialogue, and advocacy, the forum seeks to accelerate sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

AYEF 2024 is a collaborative initiative organized by the ASEAN Youth Organization in partnership with the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) and the Mekong Institute. The Mekong Institute, renowned for its commitment to regional cooperation and integration, aligns its strategies with the core tenets of the Greater Mekong Subregion Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This year’s forum to be centered around the theme "Fostering Food Security and Economic Development." Recognizing food security as a linchpin for holistic development, AYEF 2024 address the challenges and opportunities facing the ASEAN region and Japan in achieving food security and sustainable economic growth.

AYEF 2024 aligns its objectives with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

The forum aims to raise awareness and comprehension of food security among participants expand engagement and understanding of advanced agricultural methodologies facilitate networking and collaboration among stakeholders in the agricultural food system, promote knowledge sharing and community engagement for sustainable agribusiness, execute innovative strategies to address food security challenges and contribute to the SDGs.

A panel discussion featuring representatives from government, private sectors, and international development organizations will highlight initiatives and viewpoints on food production, distribution, access, and utilization.

The delegates will have the opportunity to visit sites showcasing advanced farming procedures, equipment, and technology, including compost-making enterprises, hydroponics facilities, and coffee production and processing centers.

In the event there are also local products and SMEs showcase their initiatives related to food security, fostering networking and collaboration among participants.

AYEF 2024 represents a unique opportunity for youths and stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and develop innovative solutions to address food security challenges in the ASEAN region and beyond. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the forum aims to contribute to the achievement of the UN SDGs and promote sustainable development for future generations.

KPL