A high-level dialogue at the ASEAN Headquarters brought together the 5th ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme participants to exchange perspectives on leadership, regional cooperation and ASEAN’s future. Former Philippine Foreign Secretary H.E. Delia Domingo Albert shared insights from her diplomatic career and encouraged the next generation of ASEAN leaders to strengthen connections across the region.
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs (DSG CCA), H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, opened a High-Level Talk held as part of the 5th ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme (AJFP), currently taking place at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat from 27 July to 21 August 2026. The programme brings together young professionals from ASEAN Member States for a period of learning, exchange and engagement with the work of ASEAN.
The High-Level Talk featured H.E. Delia Domingo Albert, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, who delivered an insightful session entitled “Connecting the Future Generation of Leaders in ASEAN.” Drawing on her extensive experience in diplomacy and international affairs, H.E. Albert shared perspectives on leadership, regional engagement and the importance of building meaningful connections among ASEAN’s younger generation.
Addressing the Junior Fellows, H.E. Albert highlighted the value of collaboration and mutual understanding in strengthening ASEAN’s regional community. Her experience offered participants an opportunity to gain practical insights into diplomacy and leadership while reflecting on the role they can play in shaping ASEAN’s future.
The session formed part of the AJFP’s broader efforts to expose young professionals to ASEAN institutions, policies and regional cooperation. Through discussions with senior officials and experienced leaders, the Junior Fellows gain a deeper understanding of ASEAN’s work while developing networks with peers from across the region.
The 5th ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme, running until 21 August 2026, underscores ASEAN’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and strengthening people-to-people connections among its Member States. The exchange of knowledge and experiences through initiatives such as the AJFP contributes to a more connected, informed and collaborative ASEAN community.
Source: ASEAN
