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Topic: Creative ideas on "The role of youth in building ASEAN as a
vibrant digital development hub for Sustainable Development Goals"
By Dang Quynh Chi
The University of Da Nang – University of Economics
Da Nang, Febuary 27, 2023
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Digital technology has emerged as a crucial tool for attaining sustainable development objectives
in the quickly changing world of today (SDGs). Building a thriving digital development center that
can aid in the achievement of the SDGs depends heavily on the youth of ASEAN. In this essay,
we'll talk about some original concepts for how young people can help ASEAN become a thriving
digital development center for the SDGs.
On the one hand, there are a lot of young people in the ASEAN area, with an estimated 213
million of them between the ages of 15 and 34. This offers a special chance to tap into the vitality
and imagination of this group in order to create a thriving digital environment that can promote
sustainable growth in the area. On the other hand, the area encounters a number of difficulties,
including a dearth of digital expertise and skills and unequal access to digital opportunities.
Despite these obstacles, there are a number of projects and programs aimed at empowering
ASEAN youth to actively participate in creating a thriving digital development center for SDGs.
Fostering innovation in the digital sector is one of the most important ways that young people can
help ASEAN grow. The region's youth are known for being imaginative and creative, and they can
use their talents to create brand-new digital solutions that tackle a variety of development
problems. For instance, they can develop mobile apps that make it easier for communities to
obtain healthcare, or they can offer online learning environments that make education more
accessible to people living in remote locations. The attainment of SDGs in the area can be
significantly impacted by scaling up these digital solutions to a larger population.
By fostering digital literacy, young people can also help ASEAN become a hub for digital growth.
Many people in ASEAN still don't have access to digital devices or the internet, despite the fact
that digital literacy is a crucial ability in today's society. These centers, which can be physical or
digital, bring together young people, business owners, and other stakeholders to create digital
solutions that address regional development problems. Through the promotion of digital literacy
in their neighborhoods, the youth can strive to close the digital divide. They can teach people how
to use digital technology and the internet and aid in their understanding of how it can be applied
to better people's lives.The hubs can provide a variety of tools and services, such as networking
opportunities, funding opportunities, and mentoring. With the help of this concept, organizations
and young people can work together to create a sustainable future for ASEAN in a win-win
situation.
A third suggestion is to hold a number of hacking contests or hackathons with the goal of creating
digital solutions for particular SDGs. These gatherings can bring together young people from all
over ASEAN to create original answers to regional development problems. To promote
involvement and guarantee that the developed solutions are applicable and scalable, the
competitions may award cash prizes or other incentives. These events can help create a more
active digital ecosystem in ASEAN that promotes the achievement of SDGs by encouraging a
culture of innovation and collaboration.
Fourth, establishing a regional program for digital mentoring that links young people with
seasoned experts in the field is an intriguing concept. The program can provide online mentoring
sessions where young people can get direction and advise on how to advance their digital literacy
and carve out prosperous careers in the industry. The program can also offer networking
opportunities that enable young people to connect with potential employers or collaborators. This
initiative can contribute to the development of an ASEAN digital workforce that is more resilient
and sustainable by offering networking and mentoring opportunities.
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And finally, fostering youth-led social entrepreneurship is a great method to ensure that ASEAN
has a sustainable future. Young people can develop digital remedies that solve problems in the
social, environmental, and economic spheres. Moreover, youth-led digital campaigns can help
raise awareness about the benefits of digital technology and its potential to address social and
environmental challenges. It can also push for policy changes that support sustainable
development and digital transformation. For example, they can create online networks that link
consumers and small-scale farmers, fostering sustainable agriculture and minimizing food waste.
ASEAN can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by fostering youth-led social
entrepreneurship and building a more equitable and sustainable digital environment.
In conclusion, the creativity and energy of ASEAN youth can be harnessed to drive digital
transformation and promote sustainable development in the region. The digital revolution is
happening fast, and the youth must be at the forefront of this revolution to ensure that ASEAN is
well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future.
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