Your Majesty, Excellencies, representatives from the ASEAN youth, ladies and gentlemen

I welcome you today to the interface between ASEAN leaders and youth leaders.

Since 2017, the interface between the ASEAN and youth leaders has served as a venue where our youth can share their ideas with the ASEAN leaders. In return, leaders have listened to these concerns and have endeavoured to address issues concerning the youth.

This year’s interface is in line with the people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, thematic priority of the Philippines’ Chairmanship.

Today’s interface serves as an opportunity for the ASEAN youth to enhance their role in ASEAN community-building process.

I fully believe that our youth play a dynamic and vital role in realizing a peaceful and stable economically integrated and socially responsible ASEAN.

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