By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) students joined the “Youth Voices for the Future of Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development” event held on 18 November 2025 at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok. Organized as an associated session to the upcoming Fifth Session of UNESCAP’s Committee on Macroeconomic Policy, Poverty Reduction, and Financing for Development, the event was co-hosted by AIT and the Faculty of Economics at Chulalongkorn University.
The youth session was convened to foster student and youth voices on the future of macroeconomic policy and the financing of sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. It provided young participants with an inclusive platform to engage with regional leaders, economists, and academics on macroeconomic issues that matter, including financing for development and climate-resilient growth, as well as long-term strategic pathways for economic development.
Grounded in the themes of the Committee’s agenda, the discussions explored how youth perspectives can help advance the principles of the Seville Commitment, which identifies collaborative pathways for financing sustainable development through partnerships with governments, the private sector, MDBs, and development partners. Students also reflected on the importance of embedding intergenerational equity into macroeconomic planning, aligning with the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations.
Giving his opening remarks Mr. Hamza Ali Malik, Director of ESCAP’s Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, said, “Today’s session is especially meaningful because it gives young people a direct space to engage with the long-term issues that will shape their future, from economic trends to climate-resilient development and the challenges of financing sustainable growth. Hearing their perspectives not only enriches our work but also strengthens the connection between global policymaking and the realities experienced by the next generation. We are very pleased to partner with our academic partners on this initiative, and we look forward to deepening this collaboration in the years ahead.”
The participants shared key research findings and policy insights related to the Committee’s work in poverty reduction, climate resilience, financing for development, and the future trajectory of economic growth in Asia and the Pacific. A moderated discussion followed, where students examined three core themes aligned with the upcoming Committee deliberations:
- Outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and their implications for Asia and the Pacific
- Macroeconomic implications of pursuing climate-resilient development
- Policy options for the future of economic growth in the region
Prof Shobhakar Dhakal, Department of Energy and Climate Change at AIT said , “Today’s discussions reminded us that real change happens when policymakers, youth, and communities come together. The world is facing an urgent climate and development challenge, but with collective effort, innovation, and strong voices like yours, we can shape a more sustainable and resilient future.”
AIT students played an active role throughout the session. Three students, Ms. Cat Tuong Trinh, Ms Aasma Pudasaini, and Ms Sudipa Pathak from AIT were chosen by the respective youth groups to represent the youth and deliver youth voice and insights during the main Committee meetings from 19–21 November in relevant agenda items.
Prof. Dhakal was also invited as an expert speaker to the Agenda No 3 of the Committee to provide insights on “Macroeconomic Implication of pursuing climate-resilient development” to the member governments, together with Ms. Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Regional Director and Representative, UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific..
Their participation highlights AIT’s commitment to elevating youth voices in regional policy and promoting fair, climate-aware, and sustainable development. Through this event, AIT students engaged with peers and regional changemakers, contributing to discussions shaping inclusive and future-focused macroeconomic policies.
