A lecturer and three students from Vocational College (Sekolah Vokasi), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), represented Indonesia at the 2024 Global Youth Trends Forum, held in Taipei, Taiwan from November 14th to 17th, 2024. This prestigious event, organized by the Youth Development Administration (YDA) under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan), brought together young people from various countries to discuss global youth issues and challenges in the digital era.
The forum, themed “Connect & Engage: Global Partnership for Youth,” focused on exploring the future trends and current status of youth international participation post-pandemic. Discussions delved into how methods, channels, and opportunities for participation had evolved, and how interactive networks for international engagement could be reconnected and expanded.
Leading the Indonesian delegation, Nur Endah Nugraheni, S.S., M.A., from the Applied English Study Program, emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and equal opportunities in addressing global challenges. The student representatives from UGM included Alya Shalsabillah F.K. (Applied English), Deandra Santoso (Software Engineering Technology), and Hanindha Windriya (Banking).
During the forum, the Indonesian delegation presented a four-minute speech on the realities, challenges, and future of gap years in Indonesia. They aimed to challenge the negative stigma associated with gap years and advocate for their recognition as valuable experiences that could empower youth.
The forum also covered various subtopics, such as participation in international organizations, overseas volunteering, and the significance of gap years. Discussions focused on overcoming barriers to cross-national youth collaboration and initiating cooperation and connections. The students engaged with peers from around the world, sharing insights and strategies for international participation.
In addition, the forum explored changes in overseas volunteer services post-pandemic, addressing service gaps and enhancing collaboration among teams in similar service areas.
UGM’s participation in this international forum aligned with the university’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and empowering youth through education. The delegation aimed to contribute to the global dialogue on youth issues and advocate for the importance of education and community involvement in shaping a better future.
The Indonesian delegation returned from the forum with valuable insights and strategies that can be implemented in Indonesia, further promoting youth empowerment and enhancing their participation in global initiatives.