Moving ASEAN towards mainstreaming meaningful child participation
Young leaders and partners call for meaningful, inclusive engagement at Kuala Lumpur learning session
The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), with support from Child Rights Coalition Asia, World Vision, and regional partners, convened a Learning Session on Meaningful Child Participation on 17 November 2025, gathering representatives from ASEAN bodies, UN agencies, civil society, international NGOs, and youth leaders.
Hosted with support from Indonesia’s Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (MoWECP), the session is a key milestone towards developing the ASEAN Child Participation Framework, which aims to strengthen consistent, meaningful engagement of children across all 11 ASEAN Member States.
“Child participation must be more than symbolic. It must be meaningful, inclusive, and lead to action,”
- Faith Richelle Sy, World Vision East Asia’s Regional Advisor on Child Participation and Mobilisation
During the session, World Vision hosted the segment on Child Participation as an Evolving Concept, featuring youth speakers Nhi (16, Viet Nam) and Princess (19, Philippines). Through initiatives such as Young Minds CAMP and CHAMP, both young leaders shared how children are driving solutions in climate resilience, digital safety, health, and migration.
“Children know what’s happening in our communities. Our voices should matter,”
- Nhi, one of the youth representatives
The session also highlighted the Reimagining Child Participation Framework, co-created by children, youth networks, frontline workers, and partner organisations across East Asia. The framework treats participation as both a process and an outcome, grounded in children’s lived realities.
“We are proud to stand alongside ACWC and our partners in reimagining a future where children are empowered as co-creators of solutions and catalysts for change across ASEAN,"
- Faith Richelle Sy, World Vision East Asia’s Regional Advisor on Child Participation and Mobilisation
As ACWC continues to refine the regional Child Participation Framework, partners reaffirmed the importance of safe, respectful, and impactful participation for all children.
World Vision remains committed to supporting ASEAN in mainstreaming meaningful child participation and ensuring that children are recognised not just as beneficiaries, but as essential contributors to shaping the region’s future.