Photo: Representatives for ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders at the press conference in Sunway Resort Hotel, last Saturday.

KUALA LUMPUR - The ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme 2026 was officially launched at the Sunway Resort Hotel, Selangor, last Saturday.

The initiative is led by the Rotary Club of Ipoh Central with support from UNFPA in Malaysia, Sunway University, and the ASEAN Rotary Network.

These themes are closely linked to ASEAN’s cross-border issues, including human mobility, migration, and the need for youth to manage diverse community challenges.

The programme also brings in two global peacebuilding groups, Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) and the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).

Their involvement boosts the programme’s technical skills, global learning standards, and peacebuilding methods.

The programme will gather 40 youth leaders from all 11 ASEAN countries for a 12-day residential training.

The training includes conflict transformation, mental health advocacy, gender equality, Positive Peace, and climate resilience.

Rotary Club of Ipoh Central president Nageenthren Ragunathan said youth play a key role in building peace across borders.

“Rotary has always championed peace as a cornerstone of human progress.

“With the support of UNFPA in Malaysia, Sunway University, MBBI, and the Institute for Economics & Peace, this programme represents one of the strongest multi-sector collaborations in our region,” he said.

He said the initiative aims to shape a new generation of ASEAN peace champions.

UNFPA Malaysia Representative and UNFPA Thailand Country Director Julitta Onabanjo said the programme puts young people at the centre of regional progress.

“Young people are at the heart of social transformation,” she said.

She said the programme ensures youth are prepared to lead with empathy, equality, and resilience.

She added that strong regional partnerships help young leaders better understand the realities faced by migrants, mobile communities, and vulnerable groups.

Sunway University President and Vice Chancellor Professor Sibrandes Poppema said the programme fits the university’s mission.

“Sunway University is proud to host a programme that aligns with our mission to develop global citizens who advance peace and sustainability,” he said.

He said partners like IEP and MBBI strengthen the academic quality and international standards of the learning modules.

Organising chair Dato’ Bindi Rajasegaran said the programme reflects long-standing ties with global peace groups.

“This programme is the result of powerful alliances,” she said.

She said the Peacebuilder curriculum is shaped by evidence, dialogue and compassion.

She said participants will also build a lifelong network of peace allies across ASEAN, an important asset for a region shaped by movement, migration, and cultural diversity.

ASEAN Inter-Country Committee chairman Virgilio Jun Farcon said the programme is an important regional milestone.

“The involvement of MBBI and IEP, both trusted peace partners of Rotary for many years, adds immense value,” he said.

He said the 43 youth leaders taking part represent ASEAN’s future and that stronger connections among ASEAN youth help build harmony in a region marked by growing human mobility.

MBBI will contribute mediation skills, trauma-informed facilitation, and global peacebuilding practices.

The initiative is supported by the ASEAN Rotary Network, which connects more than 42,000 members from 1,600 Rotary Clubs across the region.