The 2nd ASEAN–Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) Symposium was held on 13 March 2025, organised by the ASEAN–Japan Centre with support from the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris and other regional partners. The event celebrated the achievements of the 2024 AJYELN fellows, who successfully implemented environmental initiatives, while also highlighting the expansion of a growing sustainability network across the region.
Opening Remarks: Strengthening Youth-Led Environmental Action
Mr Mizutani Yoshihiro, Director of the Marine Environment Division at Japan’s Ministry of Environment, opened the symposium by commending AJYELN’s efforts in tackling plastic pollution. He emphasised the importance of sustained engagement from future generations, with AJYELN serving as a key platform for nurturing youth leadership.
H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to youth-driven environmental initiatives. He underscored the essential role young leaders play in advancing ASEAN’s sustainability goals, particularly in addressing marine plastic pollution.
AJYELN 2024 Regional Impact Report
Dr Katrina Navallo, Programme Manager of the ASEAN–Japan Centre, presented the AJYELN 2024 Regional Impact Report, showcasing the network’s achievements in raising awareness of plastic pollution. Over the past year:
- 33 fellows carried out 63 activities, directly engaging nearly 18,000 people across 10 ASEAN nations and Japan.
- AJYELN initiatives gained significant traction online, amassing 48,000 social media followers.
- The network received recognition on international platforms, including the ASEAN Working Group on Environmental Education and the 18th ASEAN–Japan Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation.
Keynote Addresses: Lessons from Young Eco-Leaders
The symposium’s keynote session featured:
- Ms Nala Amirah, Founder of Green Welfare Indonesia, who shared insights on eco-leadership and the challenges young advocates face in driving lasting environmental change.
- Mr Gaku Shimamura, Leader of Pono Moana, who highlighted how small-scale inland environmental actions create a ripple effect, ultimately contributing to ocean conservation.
Showcasing Innovation: AJYELN Fellows’ Capstone Projects
A key highlight was the presentation of capstone projects by AJYELN fellows, demonstrating innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability:
Brunei – A4 Awareness and Action: Chung Hua Middle School students use drama to educate communities on marine plastic pollution.
Indonesia – Eco4Shore: A high school team from Taman Rama Jimbaran organises competitive beach cleanups, awareness campaigns, and research initiatives.
Japan – Team Keisei: Sapporo Keisei High School students experiment with casein–based plastic alternatives.
Malaysia – The ASEAN Eagles: MRSM Langkawi students lead the ‘Beach Revival’ mission, combining gamified cleanups, workshops, and an environmental podcast.
Myanmar – Marine Heroes: Hinthar International School students run an ‘SOS – Save Our Seas’ poster contest to raise awareness.
Philippines – Team CalamanSEA: Philippine Science High School students develop SEAlayan, a youth-led initiative supporting coastal communities.
Singapore – Project Visualised: Hwa Chong Institution students conduct scavenger hunts to engage the public in environmental awareness.
Thailand – WT Thailand: Wachirathamsatit School students introduce the ‘Recover Waste Project,’ advocating for bio-based packaging and green spaces.
Viet Nam – The Better S: A team from four schools implements ‘Making Recycling Rewarding,’ an initiative aimed at tackling plastic waste in local communities.
Expanding the Movement: Perspectives from Partners
Representatives from supporting organisations shared their insights:
- Mr Reo Kawamura, Director of ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, praised the AJYELN fellows’ leadership and expressed optimism about AJYELN 2.0’s potential to inspire future generations.
- Ms Sarah Razuana, Chairperson of the ASEAN Youth Organization, emphasised the importance of continued ASEAN–Japan collaboration in tackling plastic pollution.
- Ms Yoriko Ashimine, Vice President of Climate Youth Japan, urged youth to take action immediately rather than waiting until adulthood to contribute to environmental solutions.
Looking Ahead: Growing the AJYELN Movement
Closing the event, Dr Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary-General of the ASEAN–Japan Centre, congratulated the fellows, mentors, and partner organisations for their commitment. He commended their empathy, sense of responsibility, and proactive efforts in tackling plastic pollution.
With this momentum, AJYELN announced the upcoming registration for its next cohort, inviting young leaders across the region to join. As the network continues to grow, it aims to establish itself as a leading force in sustainability, ensuring that youth remain at the forefront of environmental solutions.
Communication Officer
The 2nd ASEAN–Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) Symposium was held on 13 March 2025, organised by the ASEAN–Japan Centre with support from the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris and other regional partners. The event celebrated the achievements of the 2024 AJYELN fellows, who successfully implemented environmental initiatives, while also highlighting the expansion of a growing sustainability network across the region.
Opening Remarks: Strengthening Youth-Led Environmental Action
Mr Mizutani Yoshihiro, Director of the Marine Environment Division at Japan’s Ministry of Environment, opened the symposium by commending AJYELN’s efforts in tackling plastic pollution. He emphasised the importance of sustained engagement from future generations, with AJYELN serving as a key platform for nurturing youth leadership.
H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to youth-driven environmental initiatives. He underscored the essential role young leaders play in advancing ASEAN’s sustainability goals, particularly in addressing marine plastic pollution.
AJYELN 2024 Regional Impact Report
Dr Katrina Navallo, Programme Manager of the ASEAN–Japan Centre, presented the AJYELN 2024 Regional Impact Report, showcasing the network’s achievements in raising awareness of plastic pollution. Over the past year:
- 33 fellows carried out 63 activities, directly engaging nearly 18,000 people across 10 ASEAN nations and Japan.
- AJYELN initiatives gained significant traction online, amassing 48,000 social media followers.
- The network received recognition on international platforms, including the ASEAN Working Group on Environmental Education and the 18th ASEAN–Japan Dialogue on Environmental Cooperation.
Keynote Addresses: Lessons from Young Eco-Leaders
The symposium’s keynote session featured:
- Ms Nala Amirah, Founder of Green Welfare Indonesia, who shared insights on eco-leadership and the challenges young advocates face in driving lasting environmental change.
- Mr Gaku Shimamura, Leader of Pono Moana, who highlighted how small-scale inland environmental actions create a ripple effect, ultimately contributing to ocean conservation.
Showcasing Innovation: AJYELN Fellows’ Capstone Projects
A key highlight was the presentation of capstone projects by AJYELN fellows, demonstrating innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability:
Brunei – A4 Awareness and Action: Chung Hua Middle School students use drama to educate communities on marine plastic pollution.
Indonesia – Eco4Shore: A high school team from Taman Rama Jimbaran organises competitive beach cleanups, awareness campaigns, and research initiatives.
Japan – Team Keisei: Sapporo Keisei High School students experiment with casein–based plastic alternatives.
Malaysia – The ASEAN Eagles: MRSM Langkawi students lead the ‘Beach Revival’ mission, combining gamified cleanups, workshops, and an environmental podcast.
Myanmar – Marine Heroes: Hinthar International School students run an ‘SOS – Save Our Seas’ poster contest to raise awareness.
Philippines – Team CalamanSEA: Philippine Science High School students develop SEAlayan, a youth-led initiative supporting coastal communities.
Singapore – Project Visualised: Hwa Chong Institution students conduct scavenger hunts to engage the public in environmental awareness.
Thailand – WT Thailand: Wachirathamsatit School students introduce the ‘Recover Waste Project,’ advocating for bio-based packaging and green spaces.
Viet Nam – The Better S: A team from four schools implements ‘Making Recycling Rewarding,’ an initiative aimed at tackling plastic waste in local communities.
Expanding the Movement: Perspectives from Partners
Representatives from supporting organisations shared their insights:
- Mr Reo Kawamura, Director of ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, praised the AJYELN fellows’ leadership and expressed optimism about AJYELN 2.0’s potential to inspire future generations.
- Ms Sarah Razuana, Chairperson of the ASEAN Youth Organization, emphasised the importance of continued ASEAN–Japan collaboration in tackling plastic pollution.
- Ms Yoriko Ashimine, Vice President of Climate Youth Japan, urged youth to take action immediately rather than waiting until adulthood to contribute to environmental solutions.
Looking Ahead: Growing the AJYELN Movement
Closing the event, Dr Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary-General of the ASEAN–Japan Centre, congratulated the fellows, mentors, and partner organisations for their commitment. He commended their empathy, sense of responsibility, and proactive efforts in tackling plastic pollution.
With this momentum, AJYELN announced the upcoming registration for its next cohort, inviting young leaders across the region to join. As the network continues to grow, it aims to establish itself as a leading force in sustainability, ensuring that youth remain at the forefront of environmental solutions.
Communication Officer
