Most delegations attending the APEC Voices of the Future 2017 (VOF 2017) are interested in youth’s contributions to the APEC vision towards 2020 and beyond, one of the four topics discussed during the plenary session of the five-day event, which opened in the central city of Da Nang on November 6.

According to Faitz Aqira Bin Nordin, a delegate from Malaysia, youth are an engine in the society and community. “They are APEC’s future generation,” he told Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the event.

“Before they are making steps forward, we should guide them right now, provide them knowledge and information about APEC’s economies so that they can make the best contributions to the development of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Faitz.

Sharing the same view, Lucia Vivanco Trevino from the Mexican delegation revealed that his Mongterrey University has organised many seminars and meetings to promote young people’s participation in APEC inclusion. 

“In the future, we will become start-up businesses or work in different industries. We would like to make the best preparations to become future leaders,” he said. 

His teammate Lucia Graciela Vargas Elizondo is also interested in this topic, saying she hopes to have more chances to make more contributions to the future of the region.

According to Nguyen Huy Hoang, a Vietnamese delegate, young people play a crucial role in APEC economies. 

“They represent economies, are the masters of the future, therefore, their suggestions and contributions will be appreciated by the leaders.” 

Three other topics for discussion at the VOF 2017 plenary session include economic, financial and social inclusion, human resources development in the digital age and policies to support start-up, renovation and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises support policies.-VNA.