Young Filipino public health champion selected as YSBEA representative

MANILA, Philippines — A young Filipino leading the way in health, democracy and youth civic engagement, Samuel Capuno Madriaga, 24, has been selected to serve on the Youth Sounding Board for the European Union in ASEAN (YSBEA) for the period of 2024-2025.

Alongside other youth from ASEAN Member States plus a representative from Timor-Leste, he becomes one of the first-ever cohorts of the YSBEA.

“The selection of YSBEA members is an acknowledgement of their outstanding leadership qualities and impressive achievements. YSBEA will provide a consultative space and platform for the youth to strengthen the European Union’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. YSBEA participation will make the actions of the European Union more relevant and effective for young people,” Ambassador of the European Union to Asean Sujiro Seam said.

“Young people make up a third of the population of the ASEAN region. Young people are change-makers and essential partners in ensuring the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

"Youth have an important role to play in deciding the future of this region: to build a better future that is greener, more inclusive and digital. YSBEA members participation reflects their testament and commitment to make a difference,’’ the ambassador continued.

During a courtesy call with the YSBEA members, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs Nararya Soeprapto highlighted the pivotal role of the youth in contributing to the achievement of key development goals within the region, noting that the region's youth population accounted for around 34% of the overall population in 2020 and is projected to peak in 2038.

He emphasised that ASEAN recognizes the crucial role of youth as key drivers of growth, as reflected in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Development of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. This statement, adopted by leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May 2023, underscores the importance of empowering youth to actively participate in shaping the future of the region.

Samuel’s participation in the YSBEA highlights the importance of youth leadership in addressing