The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must act to address the devastating effects of the climate crisis and the digital gap among the youth of Southeast Asia, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu said Thursday in his speech during an interface of ASEAN leaders with young leaders from the region.
Mangudadatu was introduced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel in Cambodia.
The governor said the devastating effects of Tropical Storm “Paeng” that affected Mindanao is a wake-up call for the region.
“It is a major concern for everyone, but because of climate change, things have changed. Our region, which was once known to be typhoon free and safe from typhoons, has now become its latest victim,” said Mangudadatu.
“It is a wake-up call for everyone to act immediately. This is a call for all of us to work together in addressing climate change as one of the biggest threats to our future and especially to the youth,” he added.
At the same time, Mangudadatu called on ASEAN leaders to prioritize closing the digital gap among the children, the youth, and members of the community, especially with the current global digitalization.
“We join ASEAN in ensuring that our youth will be productive and competitive in all levels and in different fields as we adjust to a post-pandemic world. We also continue to ensure that the new life and the new normal will be beneficial, progressive, and growing for everyone,” he said.
The young leader from Mindanao also expressed pride in the Philippines being the leader and example for youth empowerment.
The country not only creates young leaders who lead the youth, but it also hones young leaders who lead the country and the government, Mangudadatu noted.
President Marcos himself was a pro-youth advocate when he was still a member of the Philippine legislature, authoring numerous bills in youth empowerment, such as the strengthening of the National Youth Commission and the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law.
The President is in Cambodia to attend the four-day 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. | PND
