“Youth for a Plastic-Resilient Region: Action. Innovation. Transformation.”
The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) is pleased to announce the Online Launch Ceremony of the ASEAN-Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) 2.0 Fellows for Fiscal Year 2026, to be held on 7 July 2026.
This ceremony marks the official start of a new cycle of youth-led environmental action and ASEAN-Japan collaboration. The event will welcome the newly selected 29 AJYELN 2.0 Fellows from ASEAN Member States and Japan, who will embark on a year-long journey to develop and implement community-based environmental projects and committed to advancing environmental sustainability in their respective communities.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the beginning of this new cohort’s journey in environmental leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural cooperation.
About the Event
Date: 7 July 2026
Time (Japan Time / GMT+9): 13:00 – 14:00 JST (For Public); 14:00 – 15:00 JST (Exclusive for Fellows)
Format: Online (Zoom Meeting) | YouTube LIVE
Cost: Free
Capacity: 200 participants
Registration link: https://bit.ly/register_launch26
Agenda: Please refer to the following flyer
Event Highlights
Introduction of the AJYELN 2.0 Fellows
Meet the newly selected 29 AJYELN 2.0 Fellows, representing ASEAN Member States and Japan. Throughout the programme, these young leaders will implement community-based environmental projects addressing key sustainability issues, including climate action, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education.
Keynote Address
The ceremony will feature a keynote address by Dr. Ryota Nakajima, Program Director of the Environmental Substances and Materials Research Program, Institute for Earth and Materials Sciences, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).
Dr. Nakajima will deliver a keynote speech under the theme:
“Plastic Pollution Beyond What We See: Impacts on the Open Ocean and Deep Sea”
His address will provide insights into the impacts of plastic pollution on marine environments, including the open ocean and deep sea, and highlight the importance of youth-driven environmental action and ASEAN-Japan cooperation.
Remarks from Partner Organizations
The ceremony will also feature remarks from representatives of key partner organizations, including:
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan (TBC)
- Dr. Vong Sok, Head of the Environment Division, ASEAN Secretariat (TBC)
- Ms. Sarah Rauzana, Chairperson, ASEAN Youth Organization
- Ms. Yoriko Ashimine, Vice President, Climate Youth Japan
Through this event, participants will gain an introduction to the fellows’ project themes, the vision of AJYELN 2.0, and the programme’s role in strengthening youth collaboration for environmental sustainability across ASEAN and Japan.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of a strengthened ASEAN-Japan youth network for environmental leadership, innovation, and community impact.
Registration is now open! We look forward to your participation.
For more information, please visit our Facebook and Instagram pages, or contact us at nurlatifah@asean.or.jp
