Youth panelists discussed their lived experiences in navigating digital and ecological evolution. A live Mind Map tool was used to capture and synthesize critical insights during the discussion with the audience. The aim was to present recommendations to policymakers on pathways to support underrepresented youth.

This session opened with the all-youth panel discussing their lived experiences in navigating digital and ecological evolution. It highlighted the urgency of ensuring fair access to opportunities in the green and digital sectors, especially for young people who have been historically left behind.   

Royke Antou of Yayasan Plan International Indonesia shared insights from his work supporting youth across five countries, emphasizing that 75% of the participants in their program are girls and marginalized youth. He called for meeting the youth where they are by localizing tools, using languages that are accessible, and centering local actions. He emphasized that youth don’t just need seats at the table, they need the freedom and support to shape the table themselves. Christian Manahan of Asia Pacific Youth Exchange–Philippines emphasized that meaningful youth engagement must be grounded in mutual respect and power-sharing. He stressed the value of intergenerational co-learning and highlighted how youth today place strong emphasis on well-being, relationships, and community-building, which should be central elements in designing programs for them. Lameya Alam from the Center for Climate Research of BRAC University offered a powerful intervention grounded in her lived experience as a young person navigating climate realities in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She called for a redistribution of power to young people, emphasizing the value of peer-to-peer learning and co-designing programs that reflect the realities of those on the frontlines. She noted the often-overlooked strengths that youth bring, such as bold imagination, relational leadership, and the use of organic, non-formal knowledge that is deeply rooted in context and care.   

Director General Leah Gutierrez of ADB’s human and social development and governance sectors department stressed that access and infrastructure remain critical barriers for youth inclusion, particularly for those who are multiply marginalized. She shared examples of how ADB has worked to improve delivery mechanisms and training programs for youth and committed to integrating the lessons from the session into future work. She acknowledged the importance of listening and learning from young people, promising to bring their voices into ADB’s programming.   

A unique highlight of the session was the live mind-mapping, which visualized in real time the collective insights of the panelists and audience. Designed as a growing plant, the illustration captured how underrepresented youth - when nurtured with inclusive education, digital access, and community support - can thrive and lead in both green and digital futures. The branches depicted major themes like the digital divide, education accessibility, youth-led advocacy, and entrepreneurship. At its roots were core systemic needs: localized transitions, real-world problem solving, and policies that foster inclusive growth. This visual artifact became a powerful synthesis of the session’s dialogue, anchoring both challenges and calls to action.

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