PUTRAJAYA: The future of Asean must not only be defined by economic growth or digital progress, but by how well its 200 million children are protected today, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Citing UNICEF data, she noted that children make up roughly 30% of the total population across Asean member states.
“Additionally, Asia and the Pacific is home to 1.12 billion children—the largest child population of any region in the world,” she said when opening the 9th Asean Child Forum, hosted by Malaysia for the first time on Tuesday (Aug 4).
“These figures clearly demonstrate that the future of Asean rests in the hands of its children.
“Our theme this year, 'Shielding Asean Childhood: Say No to Violence,' is a collective call to action to ensure every child is raised in a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their full potential can flourish.”
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Nancy added that the theme aligns with the commitment of Asean member states to finalise the Asean Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children (2026–2035).
The plan is scheduled to be endorsed by regional leaders at the 49th Asean Summit in the Philippines.
“Malaysia is deeply honoured to host this forum because we believe that child participation must never be reduced to a symbolic exercise. It must be the very cornerstone of our policymaking,” she said.
Held from Aug 4 to 5, the two-day forum brings together child representatives aged 12 to 17 from across the region, along with their facilitators, to present recommendations on strengthening child protection.
