The document proposes a project to analyze and address challenges that Southeast Asian youth may face from increased integration under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). It notes that while AEC integration in 2015 will likely boost economic growth, it could also increase threats like illegal drug and human trafficking by making borders more porous. The proposed project would review available data, survey youth and officials to identify primary risks, and make recommendations to mitigate threats and strengthen institutions to protect youth as AEC integration progresses.

1. Report and Recommendations:
Challenges of ASEAN Integration
to the Health and Development of Youth
(ASEAN Economic Community - AEC)
Project Proposal
Gerson Bergeth
1

2. Summary:
Risk to youth from AEC
•
2015 ASEAN economic integration to begin
•
Expected increase in the threat of illegal activities
•
Borders will become avenues for traffic
•
Are governments prepared to mitigate the risks?
2
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

3. Background: are governments ready
for the social impacts of integration?
•
Experience of other integrations (EU, NAFTA) has demonstrated
risks
•
Focus is on GDP growth and trade
•
Social impact assessments are limited
3
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

4. General Impact: threats to youth
•
Increased availability of illicit substances (including counterfeit
medicines)
•
Increased risk of migrant smuggling and human trafficking
•
Exposure to influences of globalization - threat to traditional norms
4
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

5. Specific Impact: challenges to
institutions
•
Official/government institutions focus on trade
•
Social (private sector) organizations lose support in favor of trade
•
Education increases focus on workforce competence
5
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

6. The social impacts of AEC are not fully
understood
6
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

7. Providing a solution: Analysis
•
Review of available data
•
Identify primary threats to youth
1.Drug use
2.Counterfeit medicines
3.Human trafficking
4.Forced labour
7
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

8. Providing a solution: Advocacy
•
Campaign for youth to begin discussion on AEC (sample group
300)
•
Campaign for officials to discuss awareness of risks related to
AEC (sample group 60)
8
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

9. Providing a solution:
Recommendations
•
High level policy recommendations - national and regional
•
Risk-mitigation programs that counter threats
•
Technical framework for institutional integrity
9
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

10. Providing a solution: Timeline
Month
(in
relation to
start of
work)
Deliverable
Comments
1. Preliminary Table of Contents
1
Determine primary focus
2. Summary of Survey with Youth
2
Sample group 200-300
3. Summary of Survey with Officials
2
Sample group 30-60 key officials
4. Final Version of Report “ Preparing
Southeast Asian Youth to Participate in
ASEAN Economic Community ”
3
Inputs provided via analysis and
surveys
10
Project Proposal - By Gerson Bergeth

11. Report and Recommendations:
Challenges of ASEAN Integration
to the Health and Development of Youth
(ASEAN Economic Community - AEC)
Project Proposal
Gerson Bergeth
11