From Vientiane to Brussels: Youth Reflections on Higher Education Policy

Engaging discussions led by Norfatinafina during the breakout session on youth, covering ASEAN and EU perspectives for joint policy recommendations.

A few weeks ago, I had the honour of attending the second EU-ASEAN Policy Dialogue on Higher Education in Brussels, following the inaugural forum held in Vientiane in November 2024. This time, I returned not only as a participant, but as a facilitator for Breakout Room 3: Youth—representing ASEAN youth and helping shape conversations on student engagement in higher education policymaking.

Our breakout session focused on three strands: the ASEAN context, EU perspectives, and developing joint policy recommendations. The room brought together students, ministry officials, university leaders, and youth representatives—creating a diverse space for ideas, concerns, and lived experiences to be shared openly.

What emerged was not a tidy conclusion, but a shared recognition: the mechanisms for youth participation must go beyond symbolism. We heard repeated frustrations from both sides—youth calling for platforms, institutions insisting they already exist. If both are true, then something is clearly missing. The gap is not just procedural; it’s relational. Building mutual trust, ensuring continuity, and making participation truly matter are all essential, yet still elusive.

This reflection echoes a question raised during the first dialogue in Vientiane: “Why is it not like what we want?” A sentiment still relevant months later. Across both ASEAN and the EU, the challenges persist—whether due to internal politics within student bodies, time constraints, or institutional inertia. And yet, despite these barriers, there remains a palpable desire for change.

Perhaps the most honest outcome of our dialogue was this: we may not have all the answers, but we must keep asking the difficult questions. Change starts small, and it starts now—with youth who are passionate, persistent, and ready to lead.

As Iris, President of the European Students’ Union, reminded us: “Youth may be hard-headed, careless and rebellious—but we are also passionate.” That passion is not something to be managed; it’s something to be embraced. Youth are not just the future—they are already here, contributing, questioning, building. The task now is to listen—and to trust them to stay.