By Anne Das
A regional launch was held recently to introduce the ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme 2026, a collaboration involving the Rotary Club of Ipoh Central, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), Sunway University and the ASEAN Rotary Network.
The launch also recognised the involvement of two long-standing global peacebuilding partners, Mediators Beyond Borders International and the Institute for Economics and Peace, whose expertise strengthens the programme’s technical and learning components.
The ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme 2026 will bring together forty young leaders from all eleven ASEAN Member States for a twelve-day residential training. The programme is designed to equip participants with practical skills in conflict transformation, mental health advocacy, gender equality, Positive Peace and climate resilience.
The curriculum reflects Rotary’s global peace agenda and the Positive Peace Framework championed by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Mediators Beyond Borders International will contribute mediation expertise, trauma-informed facilitation and global peacebuilding methodologies.
Rotary Club of Ipoh Central President Dr. Nageenthren Ragunathan described the programme as one of the strongest multi-sector collaborations in the region, bringing together the United Nations, academia and respected international peacebuilding organisations.
UNFPA in Malaysia Representative and UNFPA in Thailand Country Director Dr Julitta Onabanjo emphasised that young people remain at the heart of social transformation and that the programme prepares them to lead with empathy, equality and resilience.
Sunway University President and Vice Chancellor Professor Sibrandes Poppema shared that the university is proud to host a programme that aligns with its mission to develop global citizens who advance peace and sustainability.
Organising Chair Dato’ Bindi Rajasegaran highlighted that Rotary’s long-standing alliances with Mediators Beyond Borders International and the Institute for Economics and Peace have shaped a curriculum grounded in evidence, dialogue and compassion.
The ASEAN Rotary Network also supports the initiative. Through the ASEAN Rotary Intercountry Committee, established in 2022, more than 42,000 members from 1,600 Rotary clubs across the region work to strengthen fellowship, intercultural understanding and long-term relationships that advance international goodwill and peace.
Participants of the ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme 2026 were selected through a competitive process across all ASEAN Member States. Applicants underwent a rigorous evaluation that included essays, recommendation letters and interviews.
The selected group represents a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, ensuring an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
Before the residential programme begins in January, participants have already completed an online training module that introduced foundational concepts in Positive Peace, conflict transformation, gender equality and mental health awareness.
Facilitated by international experts, the virtual component encouraged early collaboration and prepared participants to fully engage in the upcoming immersive sessions.
Through this initiative, Rotary Club of Ipoh Central and its partners aim to nurture a new generation of ASEAN peacebuilders who can bridge differences, strengthen social cohesion and contribute to a more peaceful region.
For more information, contact the programme secretariat at sarkuru7@gmail.com or 012 983 8485.
