By: Sofia Michiko L. Yamamoto, SSLG President

The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) and ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMWSD)  held the 8th ASEAN Children’s Forum with the theme, “Children-led Climate Change Actions Towards a Resilient ASEAN Community” last August 19 to 21, 2024, at Vientiane, Lao PDR, with delegates from 10 ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, and Timor Leste. The event included representatives from the National Commission for the Advancement of Women and Children (NCAWMC), ACWC, SOMWSD, and other relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies. The presence of several child rights organizations, such as the Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia), World Vision International, and UNICEF Laos, were also recognized during the event. 

The forum effectively capacitated the ASEAN youth on their critical role in mitigating various climate-related crises that affect their respective nations. Children were given the opportunity to express their insights on climate change action, and be equipped with the knowledge they need in order to develop recommendations and act on the impending disasters. 

Ms. Amihan Abueva, the Regional Executive Director of CRC Asia, spearheaded the learning sessions through “Me and the Planet Earth”, where the direct impacts of climate-related issues to ASEAN children and how it can be addressed were emphasized. Similarly, Mr. Souksangna Phengdy, Education Programme Manager of Save the Children, explained how climate change can affect students’ education due to extreme heat, lack of facilities, and difficulty physically attending school. Afterwards, Mr. Kuber Adhikari, the Integrated Health and Nutrition Manager of World Vision International, discussed that climate change caused food insecurity— lack of availability, stability, utilization, and accessibility— for places around the world, which impacts human health. To finish off the sessions, Ms. Vuthaya Charoenpol, the Regional Advocacy Advisor of SOS Children’s Villages International and Ms. Israt Jahan Baki, Head of Adolescent Development and Participation Programme of Plan International Laos, provided their extensive knowledge regarding the connection of climate change to child protection, displacement, human trafficking, and work opportunities that could potentially cause a family to migrate. 

After the four (4) sessions, through metacards, sticky notes, and paper, delegates were able to give their insights on issues, contributions, and recommendations. On the other hand, Ms. Yamamoto, the PCNSciHS SSLG President and Philippine Girl Child Delegate to the 8th ACF, was one of the delegates chosen to consolidate, write, and present the key recommendations from children for the ASEAN Intergenerational Dialogue. One-by-one, the groups presented their outputs to the SOMWSD, ACWC, child rights organizations, and other stakeholders who reaffirmed their commitment and support to ensuring action with child rights at its core.

Through careful preparation and well-thought out programs, the ASEAN Children’s Forum achieved its objectives, leaving children with numerous lessons they will surely cascade to their respective communities. This is not the end, but only the beginning of empowering change towards a safe and more peaceful ASEAN.