ACC Participated in the 2nd ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Visit in Cambodia

From 27 to 29 June 2016, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) participated in the 2nd ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which was jointly organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia and the Union of Youth Federation of Cambodia. Around 250 delegates, representing the youth from 10 ASEAN Member States and China and officials from ASEAN Secretariat and ACC, were invited to this event. With the theme on “Education and Leadership”, this event was aimed at providing opportunities to young people from the ASEAN Member States and China to cultivate community awareness as future leaders of the global society. This event also aimed to provide a venue where delegates could  exchange ideas and experience in China and ASEAN’s relations and how the youth could contribute to strengthening and deepening its strategic partnership. Activities during the program included presentations and discussions, cultural performances, and visitations to places of interest.

At the Opening Ceremony, H.E. Dr. Soeung Rathchavy, Secretary of State and ASEAN SOM Leader, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, who officially opened the event, emphasized the role and contribution of the youth as future leaders in the fields of political, social and economic development of each individual country. She said that the event was among the activities to mark the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations and appreciated all the support, including from ASEAN-China Centre. H.E. Mr. Sar Sokha, Vice President of the Union of Youth Federation of Cambodia, said the exchange would help the ASEAN and Chinese youth understand and learn more about cooperation between the two sides in education and youth, thus contributing to boosting bilateral collaboration. Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Mr. Xu Bu, highlighted ASEAN-China cooperation and said the youth would play an important role in bringing ASEAN-China ties forward.

Director of Education Culture and Tourism Division of ACC, Mr. Tri Purnajaya, made a presentation on ACC’s work and contributions to education and youth development. He highlighted 2016 as a momentous year for ASEAN-China relations following the recent establishment of ASEAN Community, the beginning of the 13th Five Year Plan of China, and briefed the participants on ACC’s activities to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations and the Year of ASEAN-China Educational Exchange. During the three-day event, the participants exchanged views and conducted discussions on the roles of youth in education, their involvement in facing the challenges, and provided recommendations for the future directions of youth leadership and contribution to ASEAN-China relations.

All delegates also visited various cultural and historical sites including Angkor Wat. At the closing, the youth from ASEAN and China participated in cultural performances including traditional group dances and singing which aimed to promote cultural awareness, cultural preservation and appreciation, as well as cultural exchange between ASEAN Member States and China.