The Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting (AFMAM) Plus Australia 2024 was successfully held on 10 September 2024, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.

The opening ceremony marked the beginning of a five-day immersive role-playing and simulation-based conference, running from 10 to 14 September 2024. During the event, 39 students from ten ASEAN countries, Australia, and Timor-Leste came together to engage in high-level diplomatic discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of how ASEAN and Australia can continue to build a resilient and connected region.

Organised by the ASEAN Foundation with support from the Government of Australia through Australian Mission to ASEAN, the event kicked off with opening remarks from H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, H.E. Amb. M.I. Derry Aman, Chair of the Board of Trustees of ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to ASEAN, and Ms. Amy Williams, Charge d’Affaires, Australian Mission to ASEAN.

Their speeches delivered a unified message, reflecting the theme of the programme, "50 Years of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations: A Partnership for the Future." They emphasised the enduring partnership between ASEAN and Australia, highlighting its significant contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The AFMAM Plus Australia 2024 programme is more than just a simulation; it is a very important platform for deepening the bonds between ASEAN, Australia, and Timor-Leste. By bringing together young minds from all three regions, this programme actively contributes to strengthening ASEAN-Australia relations by engaging youth in leadership development, cultural exchange, and diplomacy,” said H.E. Amb. M.I. Derry Aman, Chair of the Board of Trustees of ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to ASEAN.

“Engaging the next generation, through the AFMAM Plus Australia, to take forward the ASEAN-Australia relationship with their own ideas and contributions will ensure the longevity of our ties into the future by building the connections, experience and expertise,” said Ms Amy Williams, Charge d’Affaires, Australian Mission to ASEAN.

The event also featured a roundtable discussion on the topic of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” Moderated by Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, the discussion was attended by H.E. Amb. Bovonethat Douangchak, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to ASEAN, Ms. Lara Franzen, Counsellor of the Australian Mission to ASEAN, and Ms. Dana Throssell, 2019 AFMAM Plus Australia participant and ASEAN Program Coordinator of Australia’s Partnerships4Infrastructure program. The interactive session provided participants with an opportunity to raise pertinent questions and engage in discussions on how ASEAN and Australia can strengthen their ties through diplomacy, trade, and development.

Following the opening ceremony, delegates are engaging in comprehensive on-site coaching that delves into key areas such as ASEAN structures and protocols, youth engagement, and ASEAN-Australia relations. These sessions aim to equip participants with a deep understanding of diplomatic processes and regional cooperation frameworks.

The programme will culminate in a highly anticipated simulation of the ASEAN-Australia Summit 2024, held at the ASEAN Hall within the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, where delegates will apply their newfound knowledge in high-level discussions and negotiations.