PHNOM
PENH, Cambodia, May 11 -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, called on
the leaders not to ignore the scourge of illegal drugs on the youth, noting
that the younger generation should be empowered to be the best version of
themselves.
During
the Opening Plenary: ASEAN at 50 Years Young during the World Economic Forum
(WEF) on ASEAN 2017, Duterte said the youth is certainly a key sector that we
must invest in.
“The
ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2016-2020 encourages youth entrepreneurship,
employment and employability, awareness, volunteerism, and resilience” he said
in his remarks at The Ballroom of Sokha Hotel.
The
Chief Executive, who is also the chairman of the ASEAN this year, said the plan
deserves full support as ASEAN youth are “among the best and most creative,
intelligent and innovative in the world.”
“We
must empower them to be the best version of themselves,” the President said.
“But
we cannot turn a blind eye on the scourge of illegal drugs that threatens our
youth and the future of our societies,” he said.
According
to Duterte, a committed stand should be taken to dismantle and destroy the
illegal drugs trade apparatus.
He
further noted that the commitment to realize a drug-free ASEAN community should
be reaffirmed.
In
the same speech, President Duterte said ASEAN is becoming a significant global
player.
“It
plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region. And it is an
emerging economic powerhouse,” he said.
The
President, however, noted that while the ASEAN’s achievement is celebrated, it
should be recognized as well that more needs to be done for our people.
According
to Duterte, among the challenges faced by the ten-member bloc are: integration
and connectivity efforts have to be ramp up; technological changes impact on
the work force as well as trade and investment, and capital flows;
transnational crime threaten to undermine economic progress; and, development
gaps threaten to hold us back from achieving the inclusive growth for our
peoples.
He
said the Philippines as this year's ASEAN Chair resolves to establish
meaningful partnerships for positive change as we engage the larger world.
“The
Philippines will do its part. ASEAN Member States will do their part as well.
Join us and together let us be partners in an enduring engagement to bring
positive change for our world and our region,” he said.
During
the opening plenary, the Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen, officially
declared the opening of the regional forum.
Prime
Minister of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, and Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyễn Xuân
Phúc also delivered their remarks during the session.
