Philippines holds youth consultation on AI and digital resilience
Youth participants in the Philippines contributed views on AI, digital resilience, and responsible technology use for ASEAN discussions.
The Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with youth-led group Tayo ang Taya, has convened a youth consultation on digitalisation, AI, and digital resilience as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ public consultations on the responsible use of new technologies.
Held at the University of the Philippines Diliman, the ‘Ctrl+Youth: Shaping ASEAN’s Digital Future’ event brought together youth leaders, civil society organisations, student groups, community-based organisations, and youth advocates. According to the DSWD, the consultation is intended to gather youth input to help shape regional policies and frameworks on digitalisation, AI, and digital resilience.
In a video message, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said young people must be equipped not only with technical skills, but also with values that support responsibility, inclusivity, and innovation as AI and other emerging technologies expand. He added that youth perspectives would help inform the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and support efforts to prepare young people for participation in the global digital economy.
Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the DSWD’s Policy and Planning Group said the consultation was organised with youth organisations and the National Youth Commission to ensure that young people could directly contribute comments and proposals to a draft charter on digital resilience under ASEAN’s sociocultural pillar.
Participants took part in focus group discussions to craft manifestos on responsible technology use and digital safety. The programme also included a presentation on legislation related to digitalisation and the proper use of technology, alongside messages of support from the National Youth Commission, the Department of Education, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance.
The consultation forms part of the Philippines’ effort to integrate youth perspectives into ASEAN’s digital agenda, with the DSWD presenting the initiative as part of its commitment to inclusive governance.
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