The Rotary Club of Ipoh Central, together with UNFPA in Malaysia, Sunway University, and the ASEAN Rotary Network, officially launched the ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme 2026 at Sunway Resort Hotel, Selangor.
The launch also recognised the crucial involvement of two global peacebuilding organisations
with deep, long-standing alliances with Rotary International:
- Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) – Managing Partners of the programme
- Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) – Programme Partners and global leaders in the
Positive Peace Framework
Their partnership strengthens the programme’s technical expertise, peace building methodologies and global learning components. The initiative will bring together 40 young leaders from all 11 ASEAN Member States for a 12-day residential training aimed at equipping them with practical skills in conflict transformation, mental health advocacy, gender equality, Positive Peace, and climate resilience.
Quotes From Key Leaders:
President, Rotary Club of Ipoh Central – Dr Nageenthren Ragunathan
“Rotary has always championed peace as a cornerstone of human progress. With the support of UNFPA in Malaysia, Sunway University, MBBI, and the Institute for Economics & Peace, this programme represents one of the strongest multi-sector collaborations in our region.
Together, we are shaping a new generation of ASEAN peace champions.”
UNFPA in Malaysia Representative and UNFPA in Thailand Country Director – Dr. Julitta
Onabanjo
“Young people are at the heart of social transformation. UNFPA is delighted to be part of this initiative which brings global best practices and strong regional collaboration through partners like MBBI and IEP—ensuring youth are prepared to lead with empathy, equality, and
resilience.”
President and Vice Chancellor, Sunway University – Professor Sibrandes Popema
“Sunway University is proud to host a programme that aligns with our mission to develop global
citizens who advance peace and sustainability. Collaborations with esteemed partners such as the Institute for Economics & Peace and MBBI enrich the academic rigour and international quality of the learning experience.”
Organising Chair – Past District Governor Dato’ Bindi Rajasegaran, District 3300 Malaysia
“This programme is the result of powerful alliances. Rotary’s long-standing friendship with MBBI and the Institute for Economics & Peace has shaped our shared Peacebuilder curriculum, grounded in evidence, dialogue, and compassion. Our young participants will gain not only skills, but a lifelong network of peace allies across ASEAN.”
ASEAN Inter-Country Committee Chairman – Past District Governor Virgilio Jun Farcon,
Philippines
“The ASEAN Inter-Country Committee proudly supports this milestone initiative. The involvement of MBBI and IEP—both trusted peace partners of Rotary for many years—adds
immense value. These 43 young leaders represent ASEAN’s future, and together we are strengthening regional harmony one relationship at a time.”
About the Programme
The ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme 2026 is built around Rotary’s global peace agenda and the Positive Peace Framework championed by the Institute for Economics & Peace. As Managing Partners, Mediators Beyond Borders International will contribute mediation expertise, trauma-informed facilitation, and global peacebuilding methodologies.
Participants will undergo workshops, field exposure, and dialogue modules in:
- Positive Peace
- Conflict Transformation
- Mental Health and Resilience
- Gender Equality and GBV Prevention
- Climate Action
Intercultural Cooperation
The programme is supported by the ASEAN Rotary Network. The ASEAN Rotary Intercountry
Committee was established in May 2022 and brought together more than 42,000 members from 1,600 Rotary Clubs across the region. The purpose of a Rotary ICC is to increase fellowship and intercultural understanding, foster stronger ties between members, clubs, and districts from different countries, and establish networks across borders. The formal framework of Rotary ICC is for strategic, long-term relationships and provides an additional means for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to fulfill the responsibilities of the 4th Avenue of Service: international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Origins and Purpose
The ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme (AYPP) was conceived to address the growing need for youth-led initiatives in peacebuilding and social cohesion across Southeast Asia. Recognising that young people are both the most affected by and the most influential in times of conflict, Past District Governor Dato’ Bindi Rajasegaran of the Rotary Club of Ipoh Central District 3300 Malaysia, conceived this idea and in collaboration with regional and global partners, designed this programme to cultivate practical skills, empathy, and resilience in the next generation of ASEAN leaders.
Grounded in Rotary’s global peace agenda and the Institute for Economics & Peace’s Positive Peace Framework, the programme aims to transform participants into capable peacebuilders who can bridge differences in their communities.
Selection Process
To ensure a high caliber of participants, an extensive and transparent selection process was conducted across all 11 ASEAN Member States. Prospective candidates submitted comprehensive applications demonstrating leadership potential, commitment to community service, and interest in peacebuilding.
A rigorous evaluation, including essays, recommendation letters, and interviews, assessed their ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions on conflict resolution, intercultural cooperation, and social advocacy. Ultimately, 40 participants were selected, representing a diverse cross-section of backgrounds, experiences, and countries, ensuring a rich, inclusive learning environment.
Online Training and Pre-Programme Preparation
Prior to the 12-day residential training, participants engaged in an intensive online training module designed to prepare them for the immersive programme. The virtual sessions introduced foundational concepts such as Positive Peace, gender equality, conflict transformation, and mental health awareness. Facilitated by international experts from MBBI and IEP, the online component fostered early dialogue among participants, allowing them to establish connections, exchange ideas, and develop initial projects that will continue into the in-person sessions. This preparatory stage ensures that participants arrive ready to engage fully, with a shared understanding of key peacebuilding principles and a collaborative mindset.
Programme Journey: From Selection to Residential Training
The ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme 2026 follows a structured path to maximize
participant impact:
- Application & Selection (August–October 2025): Open calls across ASEAN, rigorous
evaluation of leadership potential, essays, and interviews. - Online Training (November 2025): Virtual modules covering Positive Peace, conflict
transformation, gender equality, and mental health; participants begin cross-border
collaboration and project planning. - Residential Programme (17–29 January 2026): Twelve-day immersive training at Sunway
Resort, featuring workshops, field exposure, dialogue sessions, and intercultural activities
to consolidate skills and networks.
This phased approach ensures participants are well-prepared, connected, and ready to
become effective youth peacebuilders across ASEAN.
The Rotary Club of Ipoh Central serves as the lead convener and driving force behind the ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme. As the host Rotary club, we bring together global partners, academic institutions, UN agencies, and peacebuilding experts to create a transformative platform for young leaders across ASEAN. Our role is to coordinate the programme’s vision, ensure strong partnerships, uphold Rotary’s peacebuilding values, and provide the structure, governance, and community support needed to make this initiative impactful, sustainable, and regionally meaningful.
Source: The Rotary Club of Ipoh Central
