The competing finalists came from six different universities and countries. Namely, Phan Ngoc Khai from Vietnam National University (Vietnam), Passawit Phucheen from Mahidol University (Thailand), Han Phakdeypanhaboth from Royal University of Law and Economics (Cambodia), Rahman Maulana Torana from Universitas Airlangga (Indonesia), Filolita Zatadini Prasetya from Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), and Maria Arabela Bergas Guzman from De La Salle University (Philippines)
Finalist Perspective
In each of their speech sessions, each finalist took turns giving solutions to face global challenges by involving the youth generation. Phan Ngoc Khai from Vietnam as number one stressed that the youth should be an agent of change.
In line with that, finalist from Cambodia, Han Phakdeypanhaboth, underlined that the young generation should contribute in solving global issues starting from their surroundings. “We have to not only be successors, but also innovators that create solutions,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Passawit Phuncheen, Thailand’s finalist, highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are targeted to be achieved in 2030. But, in reality it is still far from being achieved. In his opinion, the key to achieving SDGs is through increasing the abilities of each individual.
“There are five elements of Inner Development Goals (IDGs), which are Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting. These 5 things have to be the focus of development to assist in the realization of SDGs,” Passawit explained.
Beside that, Rahman Maulana Torana from UNAIR mentioned in his speech that education is a crucial weapon for youths to become agents of change. Then Filolita from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) added that emancipatory education is key to empower the young generation.
The last finalist, Maria from Philippines, uttered the importance of understanding the issues of sustainability and culture to solve global issues. “With the right knowledge and skills, we as the young generation could be a positive agent of change and bring positive impact for lives in the future,” Maria explained.
As closing, the juries thanked all finalists for the amazing presentations. “We are inspired by the excitement and commitment that have been shown. What you all delivered are a reflection of the big hopes the young generation have in facing global challenges,” one of the jury members said.
Author: Adinda Aulia Pratiwi
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
Translator: Zahra Hanifa Ramadhani – Digital Engagement Intern
