ASEAN defence ministers and their international partners have agreed to strengthen the role of young people in promoting regional peace, preventing conflicts and improving security cooperation across Southeast Asia.

The decision was announced on October  2026, during the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), held in Cebu, Philippines.

The participating countries adopted a joint statement on Youth, Peace and Security, recognising that younger generations should have a meaningful role in shaping the region’s long-term security environment.

The initiative comes at a time when Southeast Asia is facing several interconnected challenges, including geopolitical competition, maritime disputes, cyber threats and changing regional security conditions.

Youth Participation Becomes a Regional Security Priority

The joint statement recognises young people as important partners in maintaining peace and stability.

ASEAN highlighted that young people account for approximately one-third of the organisation’s combined population, making their participation important for the region’s future.

Defence ministers emphasised that youth should have opportunities to contribute to discussions, peacebuilding programmes and initiatives designed to prevent armed conflicts.

The statement also encourages appropriate youth representation in decision-making processes so that the perspectives of younger generations can be considered when developing security policies.

Focus on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

One of the central objectives of the initiative is to encourage young people to participate in peaceful conflict resolution.

ASEAN defence ministers stressed that young people can contribute to building mutual understanding, reducing mistrust and supporting reconciliation between communities.

The agreement also encourages participating governments to expand educational and practical programmes that help young people understand international law, regional cooperation and peaceful approaches to resolving disputes.

The initiative follows the broader United Nations Youth, Peace and Security agenda, which recognises the importance of youth participation in preventing violence and building lasting peace.

Defence Education and Leadership Development

The joint statement also highlights the importance of preparing younger generations for responsibilities within defence and security institutions.

ASEAN countries intend to strengthen existing military exchange programmes, leadership development initiatives and educational opportunities.

These programmes are designed to encourage cooperation between young military officers and emerging defence professionals from different countries.

By creating opportunities for interaction and professional development, participating governments aim to strengthen mutual understanding and improve coordination across regional security institutions.

Eight Dialogue Partners Participate in Regional Discussions

The 13th ADMM-Plus meeting brought together ASEAN member countries and eight international dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States.

The delegates exchanged views on regional and international security developments, including emerging threats and opportunities for stronger multilateral cooperation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review existing defence initiatives and discuss future cooperation under the ASEAN framework.

The Philippines chaired the meeting as part of its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.

New Cooperation Plans for 2027-2030

An important element of the agreement is the intention to incorporate youth-related activities into future work plans of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups from the 2027-2030 cycle onwards.

This could create additional opportunities for young people to participate in defence-related dialogue, practical cooperation and regional peacebuilding activities.

The initiative also encourages participating countries to develop relevant skills and strengthen the capacity of young people to contribute to security discussions.

ASEAN members will retain responsibility for deciding how these activities are implemented according to their national policies and requirements.

Singapore to Lead the Next ASEAN Defence Meeting

The Cebu meeting also marked the conclusion of the Philippines’ role as chair of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and ADMM-Plus for 2026.

Singapore is scheduled to assume the chairmanship in 2027 under the theme “Future-ready, Adaptive and Resilient.”

The transition provides an opportunity to continue the regional defence cooperation programmes established during the Philippine chairmanship.

A New Chapter in Southeast Asian Security Cooperation

The adoption of the Youth, Peace and Security statement reflects ASEAN’s recognition that regional stability requires more than military preparedness.

Education, dialogue, public participation and international cooperation are also important elements of long-term peace.

By encouraging younger generations to participate in peacebuilding and security initiatives, ASEAN members are seeking to strengthen regional cooperation and prepare future leaders for emerging challenges.

The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on how effectively participating countries translate their commitments into practical programmes and meaningful opportunities for young people.