Introduction

Talkshow Sessions: Engaging Dialogues on Key Youth Challenges- Day 1

The first talk show, “Intersectional Inequalities,” featured five regional speakers who discussed various forms of oppression, their complexities, and the crucial role of youth engagement in addressing these issues across different realms. 

• Alanna Inserra, a Senior Social Development Specialist from the Asian Development Bank in the Philippines, kicked off the talkshow by emphasising the importance of youth engagement, and highlighting the need for skills development, mentorship, and financial support to strengthen youth programmes.
• Lance Dublin, a student from Mindanao State University, Philippines, reflected on what intersectionality means and the pathway to transformative change through the development of policies and programmes that recognise intersecting identities.
• Bhawana Ghimire, an Oxfam Fellow from Nepal, discussed the concept of gender as a social construct and highlighted the harmful implications of these norms and societal expectations, specifically on young women. 
• Minh Ha Nguyen, an Oxfam Fellow from Vietnam, discussed the widespread issue of gender-based violence in the country, highlighting how the existing punitive system focuses on punishment rather than rehabilitation and fails to address the root causes of the problem.
• Achmad Zulfikar Luthfi, an Oxfam Fellow from Indonesia, stressed the importance of inclusive and responsible business practices in bridging not only economic inequality but other forms of inequality as well. 

This session reinforced the urgent need for institutional and financial support to empower young people in overcoming systemic barriers.

Talkshow 2: Climate Change and Constrained Civic Space- Day 1

The second talkshow, “Challenges on Climate Change and Constrained Civic Space” featured five speakers who examined the impacts of climate change and shrinking civic space on youth activism. 

• Dr. Thusitha Sugathapala, a Senior Technical Expert on Climate Change and Sustainable Development at SLYCAN Trust in Sri Lanka, emphasised climate change as a pressing issue, particularly for youth, who will bear the brunt of its impacts. He also highlighted the increasing inaction by governments and the challenges young people face in addressing climate change due to conventional top-down, government-centered approaches.
• Tan Darien, Co-Founder of a youth organisation that supports women and LGBT+ rights in Vietnam called Savour, spoke on his own experience as a youth leader. He noted three challenges for youth-led organisations: lack of funding, lack of mentorship and expertise, and administrative barriers. He advocated for increased funding, expanded capacity-building programmes to equip youth with essential skills, and greater networking opportunities to enhance youth leadership and engagement.
• Isaura Barros, an Oxfam Fellow from Timor-Leste, highlighted the country’s extreme vulnerability to climate change and that many young people remain unaware of its impacts, despite experiencing them daily. She emphasised the importance of youth-led initiatives—such as educational seminars, mangrove reforestation, and waste management projects—in raising awareness and fostering active engagement among young people.
• Seena Kimhohiching, an Oxfam Fellow from Manipur, India, shared her personal journey of resilience as a religious and ethnic minority. She delivered a powerful call for international action against the ongoing violence in Manipur, urging global attention and accountability for government officials.
• Jonathan Gelogo, an Oxfam Fellow from the Philippines, began his session with an interactive activity where participants had stickers placed on their foreheads and had to find their respective groups without speaking. Despite the lack of verbal communication, participants successfully identified their groups, demonstrating the power of nonverbal understanding. Jonathan linked this exercise to peacebuilding efforts, emphasising the importance of active listening, community engagement, and collaboration in fostering meaningful change.

The session highlighted the critical role of youth in climate advocacy and the need for more inclusive civic spaces where young people can participate in advocacy and decision-making.