Australian Embassy
Indonesia

ASEAN and Australian Youth Leaders Gather for Model ASEAN Plus Australia Meeting

Media Release

12 September 2024

Young leaders from across ASEAN, Timor-Leste, and Australia met in Jakarta to participate in the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting Plus Australia (AFMAM Plus Australia) from 9-14 September 2024.

This event is part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations. It builds on the outcomes of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne in March 2024, which underscored the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of ASEAN-Australia relations.

Model ASEAN brings together 39 outstanding future leaders from across the region to simulate high-level ASEAN meetings, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, negotiation, and regional cooperation.

“I am delighted Australia, together with ASEAN and the ASEAN Foundation, can provide a forum for young leaders to learn new skills and develop lifelong connections with peers from across the region as they embark on promising futures,” said Tiffany McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN.

“I am equally thrilled to see the next generation of ASEAN and Australian leaders come together through this impactful program. This collaboration not only strengthens diplomatic ties, but also empowers our youth with the skills and networks they need to drive positive change in the region,” said Dr Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation.

This experience is particularly significant as it takes place in Indonesia, Australia’s ASEAN Country Coordinator for 2024-2027, underscoring our two countries’ strong bilateral ties and Indonesia’s pivotal role in facilitating ASEAN-Australia cooperation.

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