The session brings together ASEAN youth leaders to advance sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems that promote food security and healthier diets across the region by providing a safe, participatory space to share insights, co‑create an ASEAN Youth Pledge, spotlight youth‑led initiatives in agriculture, nutrition, and climate action, and strengthen cross‑border networks to inspire sustained youth leadership, advocacy, and collective action beyond consultation.
Moderators:
- Yating Ru, Natural Resources and Agriculture Economist, ADB
- Cherrie Atilano, Chairperson, AGREA Foundation
Welcome Remarks
Winfried Wicklein, Director General, Sectors Department 2, ADB
Youth pledge on sustainable and resilient food systems to be presented to ASEAN leaders
Inspirational Message to the Youth
William Dar, Senior Adviser, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, Board Chair, ISAAA, Former Secretary of Agriculture, Philippines
Panel discussion with youth representatives
- Shanerisse Tamondong, SUN Youth Network
- Leunell Chris Buela, University of the Philippines Los Banos
- Kinja Tauli, Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines
- Jerrhad Hijara Nadonza, Mindanaw Seafood
- Just Dagu-Ob, Department of Agriculture - Philippines
- Mariano “Ameta” Dacosta Alves, Cafe Organiku Atsabe, Timor-Leste
Q&A for Panel Speakers
ADB Youth Pathways to Development Sector
- Tanya Huizer, ADB WUD
- Meredith Cua, ADB PSOD
ADB Youth Awards: Shaping a Healthier Food Future in ASEAN Countries
Awarding speech:
Qingfeng Zhang, Senior Director, Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development Sector Office, ADB
Awarding of youth winners from the individual, community and digital categories.
