Leonor Briones, Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization – Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH) and former Education Secretary of the Philippines, called for a stronger role for youth in education and development in a recent statement released to the press.
In it, Briones highlighted the many concerns and proposals that the youth raised at the Innotech Youth Summit 2023 two months ago. She expressed support for these concerns and proposals, and promised to spread the "Southeast Asia Youth Call to Action on Transforming Education" to ministries of education, legislators, policymakers, and government leaders.
Briones also acknowledged the youth's request for a stronger role in determining their own futures. She said that SEAMO will be exploring options to have a dedicated youth program officer at the SEAMO Secretariat. This would pave the way for more dedicated roles for the youth not only in SEAMO, but across governments, ministries, and development agencies worldwide.
"The youth are our best investment toward a sustainable future," Briones said. "We hear those voices of the youth whose futures are in our hands. Their concerns, their ideas, and their innovations, all directed to a better and brighter future for all, we echo and support. We hear your voices. And we are listening."
Briones' statement comes at a time when the world is facing a number of challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and political instability. These challenges are felt most acutely by young people, who are the ones who will inherit the world that we leave behind.
By giving young people a stronger voice in education and development, we can help them to build a better future for themselves and for all of us.
Briones also highlighted the importance of green skills for youth in a sustainable world. Briones noted that International Youth Day 2023 was themed "Green Skills For Youth: Towards A Sustainable World."
According to her, the theme reminds us of our responsibilities in achieving our mandates while preserving our planet for future generations. She also pointed out that the Department of Education has recently launched a recalibrated K to 10 curriculum that features a focus on green skills.
In addition to her statement on International Youth Day, Briones has also been working to promote youth empowerment through her work at SEAMEO INNOTECH. The organization is a regional center for educational innovation and technology, and it has a long history of working with young people.
In recent years, INNOTECH has launched a number of initiatives to engage young people in education and development.
These initiatives have helped to empower young people to be agents of change in their communities and in the world. They have also helped to build a network of young leaders who are committed to creating a better future for all.
Visit: https://www.seameo-innotech.org