Youth Engagement in the Implementation of The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) in Asean Countries

Abstract

The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires commitment from the United Nations (UN) members to meet the 17 goals. Therefore, the goals should be implemented at the national level, sub-national level, and also at the local level through a variety of national planning and policies. However, the SDGs progression needs to be monitored by the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and various UN Agencies to remain relevant as a global agenda. This paper attempts to analyse the initiatives of youth-centric SDGs among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The primary reference in analysing the SDGs implementation and youth engagement process is the Voluntary National Review (VNR), National Development Plans (NDP), and the UN official reports. Evidence has shown that ASEAN countries have engaged with the youth in implementing SDGs, and have focused on youth, indicating the importance of the younger generation as one of the Major Groups and Stakeholders (MGoS) in accomplishing the national SDGs initiative. Nonetheless, more relevant and meaningful SDGs engagement is needed as the youth represents the present and future generation that is affected by sustainability issues. Hence, ASEAN countries should empower their younger generation by implementing more youth-SDGs-related programmes to fulfil each SDGs.