The School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, with support from ViiV Healthcare, successfully hosted the ASEAN Youth Network Workshop on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV on 19–20 September 2026. The workshop brought together 17 participants, including 12 youth leaders and 5 mentors, from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam to strengthen youth leadership and regional collaboration in adolescent SRHR and HIV.
Representing youth-led organizations, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and regional networks, participants engaged in interactive discussions, country experience-sharing sessions, and collaborative planning. Resource persons from Chulalongkorn University, UNAIDS Asia Pacific, and Youth LEAD shared insights on meaningful youth engagement, HIV prevention, policy advocacy, and strengthening youth-friendly health services across the ASEAN region.
Throughout the two-day workshop, participants explored common regional challenges, including HIV-related stigma, limited access to youth-friendly services, mental health needs, and barriers to integrated sexual and reproductive health services. They also shared innovative approaches and successful practices from their respective countries, emphasizing the importance of peer-led initiatives, community engagement, digital innovation, and multi-sector partnerships.
A key outcome of the workshop was the development of country-specific action plans and a shared vision for establishing an ASEAN Youth Network on SRHR and HIV. Participants identified priorities for future collaboration, including combating stigma and discrimination, strengthening youth advocacy, promoting knowledge exchange, supporting regional research, and maintaining communication through regular networking activities.
Participants expressed strong appreciation for the opportunity to learn from one another, exchange experiences across countries, and build meaningful regional connections. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to advance adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthen youth leadership, and improve HIV prevention and care across the ASEAN region.
