The third AUA Youth Forum was hosted by AUA Executive Presidency 2019-2020 University of Colombo (UoC) from 25-29 November 2019. A total of 46 students from eleven universities took part in the program including Tsinghua University, Universiti Malaya, Universitas Indonesia, The University of Tokyo, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, University of Yangon, Universitas Indonesia, Nazarbayev University, Seoul National University, Peking University and United Arab Emirates University. The theme of the program was “Wellbeing Beyond Health”.
Increasing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Asia is leading to an unacceptably high burden of premature death and disability with escalating health, economic and social consequences in AUA member countries. In order to tackle these health challenges, the theme “Wellbeing Beyond Health” was selected. The theme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3 “Good Health and Wellbeing”. The interactive sessions of the Youth Forum focused on how the Asian youth can take on the leadership required to modify human behavioral risk factors and their social, environmental and commercial determinants to prevent NCDs (including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases). There was a special emphasis on identifying unexplored future challenges created by the rise of the digital age and how youth can define and achieve “wellbeing” at individual, family, community and policy levels. The program also promoted social and cultural exchange, using Sri Lankan traditional healing, music, drama, dance, art and sports in hands-on skill sessions conducted in an eco-friendly, natural environment.
The Youth Forum began with the inauguration ceremony featuring a speech by the AUA Executive President and Vice Chancellor of UoC, Prof. Chandrika Wijeyaratne on the significance of the Youth Forum as a platform to foster change-makers and young leaders. Dr. Olivia Nieveras, WHO Sri Lanka Public Health Administrator, delivered a keynote address on behalf of Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Sri Lanka Representative. Dr Nieveras spoke of the important role youth play in achieving the SDGs, stating that “the young people of today are the ‘SDG generation’ who will experience the success or failure of the 2030 Agenda.”
Promoting physical activity was a cross-cutting theme of the AUAYF 2019, comprising daily sessions of physical activity. One day of the Youth Forum, which took place at UoC’s Sri Palee Campus, focused on empowering youth to incorporate physical activity into their lives. The day had an engaging agenda, which included a nature hike and tree-planting. There were also cultural elements, including traditional Sri Lankan dance and drumming lessons and a talent show.
The AUA Youth Forum 2019 concluded with innovative, creative, and inspiring presentations delivered by teams of participants on ways to combat the most pressing issues of their generation, such as climate change and the need for better mental health services for young people. A panel of experts, including Vice Chancellor Wijeyaratne and other senior figures from UoC and WHO, provided insight and advice to participants on how to build upon and implement the presented ideas.
