Jakarta, 12 August 2025: The ASEAN–Japan Centre (AJC), in collaboration with the ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO), convened the ASEAN–Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) Environmental Leadership and Project Management Training at the Embassy of Japan on 12 August 2025.
Participants included university students and young professionals from across ASEAN and Japan. The programme aims to enhance awareness and active participation amongst youth from both regions in addressing the issue of plastic waste.
Invited to contribute to the mission, ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris delivered an in-depth presentation and discussion session on solutions and strategies for tackling plastic pollution. The Centre also participated in last year’s edition, which was hosted at ERIA’s office.
The event opened with remarks from Dr Katrina Navallo, Programme Manager at the AJC, who welcomed participants and encouraged them to engage actively and make the most of the learning opportunity. Ms Ayako Mizuno, Programme Manager at ERIA’s Regional Knowledge for Marine Plastic Debris, expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership between the Centre, AJC, and AYO, and voiced hope that the collaboration would continue to empower the younger generation.
This was followed by a speech and dialogue with the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, H.E. Kiya Masahiko, who underscored the vital role of youth in tackling plastic pollution. He emphasised that there are actions only young people can take, such as inspiring their peers and leveraging diverse communication channels to mobilise them. Mr Yosuke Kawamoto, First Secretary of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, also shared the Mission’s experiences and initiatives in addressing plastic pollution.
Opening the session by ERIA, Ms Elsa Noviani, Knowledge Management Supervisor at the Centre, outlined the Centre's mission and key initiatives to tackle plastic pollution across the ASEAN+3 region.
The main presentation, delivered by Mr Indradhi Faisal Ibrahim, the Centre’s Capacity Building Expert, explored the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) principles within the broader framework of the circular economy. He underscored the importance of better product design, choice editing, and preventing greenwashing to accelerate the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Drawing on case studies, Mr Ibrahim illustrated both the barriers and the success strategies for effective 3R implementation.
The session prompted a lively discussion, with many participants asking how they, as young leaders, could take practical steps to combat plastic pollution.
Throughout the session, participants showed strong interest and passion for combating plastic pollution, reflected in their active engagement and thoughtful contributions. Many continued the conversation after the formal programme, approaching the speakers for further insights and potential collaboration.
Knowledge Management Assistant
Jakarta, 12 August 2025: The ASEAN–Japan Centre (AJC), in collaboration with the ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO), convened the ASEAN–Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) Environmental Leadership and Project Management Training at the Embassy of Japan on 12 August 2025.
Participants included university students and young professionals from across ASEAN and Japan. The programme aims to enhance awareness and active participation amongst youth from both regions in addressing the issue of plastic waste.
Invited to contribute to the mission, ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris delivered an in-depth presentation and discussion session on solutions and strategies for tackling plastic pollution. The Centre also participated in last year’s edition, which was hosted at ERIA’s office.
The event opened with remarks from Dr Katrina Navallo, Programme Manager at the AJC, who welcomed participants and encouraged them to engage actively and make the most of the learning opportunity. Ms Ayako Mizuno, Programme Manager at ERIA’s Regional Knowledge for Marine Plastic Debris, expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership between the Centre, AJC, and AYO, and voiced hope that the collaboration would continue to empower the younger generation.
This was followed by a speech and dialogue with the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, H.E. Kiya Masahiko, who underscored the vital role of youth in tackling plastic pollution. He emphasised that there are actions only young people can take, such as inspiring their peers and leveraging diverse communication channels to mobilise them. Mr Yosuke Kawamoto, First Secretary of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, also shared the Mission’s experiences and initiatives in addressing plastic pollution.
Opening the session by ERIA, Ms Elsa Noviani, Knowledge Management Supervisor at the Centre, outlined the Centre's mission and key initiatives to tackle plastic pollution across the ASEAN+3 region.
The main presentation, delivered by Mr Indradhi Faisal Ibrahim, the Centre’s Capacity Building Expert, explored the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) principles within the broader framework of the circular economy. He underscored the importance of better product design, choice editing, and preventing greenwashing to accelerate the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Drawing on case studies, Mr Ibrahim illustrated both the barriers and the success strategies for effective 3R implementation.
The session prompted a lively discussion, with many participants asking how they, as young leaders, could take practical steps to combat plastic pollution.
Throughout the session, participants showed strong interest and passion for combating plastic pollution, reflected in their active engagement and thoughtful contributions. Many continued the conversation after the formal programme, approaching the speakers for further insights and potential collaboration.
Knowledge Management Assistant
