BANGKOK, 24 November 2023 – The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) organised the 2nd Annual ASEAN ICT Forum, attended by global, regional, and national industry actors operating within the Southeast Asian region. The participants affirmed their commitment to accelerate joined efforts to keep children safe online.
Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, in his remarks reflected, “The Annual ASEAN ICT Forum provides the much-needed space and opportunity for connection, collaboration and constructive dialogue with the private sector and industry players, and to identify action-oriented and practical solutions.”
Southeast Asia has one of the fastest growing internet penetration in the world, leading towards robust opportunities for children to play, learn, and connect. However, online sphere could exposes children to imminent risks, including exploitation and abuse. To accelerate action in online child protection, the first forum was launched last year in Cambodia as part of ASEAN’s commitments under the Regional Plan of Action for the Protection of Children from All Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse.
Led by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of the Royal of Kingdom of Thailand, with support from UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific, the 2nd Annual ASEAN ICT Forum gathered over 220 representatives from government, private sector, UN, NGOs and development partners, as well as young people. Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children, was the guest of honour.
In his remarks, Professor Wisit Wisitsora, Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society highlighted industry leaders’ pivotal role and urged the participants to ‘’work hand in hand to transform the digital landscape into a space where children can explore, learn, and thrive, free from the threats of exploitation and abuse.”
Collaboration was highlighted as a key to strengthen cross border victim support and access to justice, ensure safer online platforms, expand prevention efforts and develop robust regulation. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, the industry working group, established in response to a recommendation of the 1st Annual ASEAN ICT Forum, shared their principles for effective regulatory frameworks.
This year, delegates reflected on the positive changes youth have experienced. However, they were also confronted with the stark reality of over 50% of young people encounter worrying or offensive material every day. “Children and young people are key partners in tackling online abuse. However, young people do not feel that sufficient progress has been made. We have to do more”, said Debora Comini, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and Pacific.
Worrawantra Muam-in (Amm) a speaker from the Thai Young People’s Action Team also urged participants tonot forget children’s voices. ‘’Please enhance efforts to push the child focused lens to protect the right of every child to safety in the online world,” she emphasised.
Participants will reconvene next year to review progress and ensure this critical and positive dialogue continues with the children placed at the heart of the forum.
