24/05/2026
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐫-𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
On 23 May 2026, the Third Secretary, Mr. António Santa, represented His Excellency Ambassador António de Sá Benevides at the ASEAN Youth Convergence in Korea 2026 (AYCK 2026), took place at SK Mirae Hall, Korea University.
The ASEAN Youth Convergence in Korea 2026 was spearheaded by Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO), an organization of Filipino scholars in Korea, in collaboration with the ASEAN Youth Network in Korea (AYNK). Guided by the theme, “Building Bridges Across the SEA: Advancing ASEAN–Korea Relations,” the symposium convened ASEAN and Korean students, scholars, professionals, and diplomatic representatives in a meaningful dialogue on regional cooperation, youth leadership, and cross-cultural engagement.
Representatives from the Timorese Students Association in Korea also actively participated in the event. In particular, Ms. Deotania Maria da Silva, Vice-President of the Timorese Students Association in Korea, delivered a keynote speech during the discussion sessions, highlighting the importance of youth participation in strengthening ASEAN–Korea relations and promoting mutual understanding among the peoples of the region.
The conference was organized with the following objectives:
• To deepen understanding among youth of ASEAN–Korea relations and emerging regional issues;
• To promote youth-led initiatives and perspectives on diplomacy, regional cooperation, and digital connectivity;
• To foster networks among students, embassies, government agencies, and partner institutions; and
• To encourage sustained collaboration between ASEAN and Korean stakeholders in support of inclusive and sustainable development.
The event brought together ASEAN youth, Korean and international students, embassy and diplomatic representatives, government officials, academics, and professionals with a shared interest in ASEAN–Korea cooperation and youth engagement. Through constructive dialogue and collaborative exchange, the symposium reaffirmed the important role of young leaders in advancing regional understanding, strengthening people-to-people ties, and contributing to a more connected and inclusive ASEAN–Korea partnership.
End.