GYDA Participates in the Eighth ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand — September 11–12, 2025 — The Global Youth Development Alliance (GYDA) participated in the Eighth ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum, organized by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD), Malaysia, together with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), OECD, ASEAN-Japan Centre, and Shopee.

Under the theme “Generating Impact through Entrepreneurship”, the Forum explored how inclusivity and sustainability form interlinked foundations for social and economic growth. Discussions focused on how Inclusive Business (IB) and Social Enterprise (SE) models can deliver positive, scalable impact while ensuring long-term resilience.

Inclusive Businesses (IB) in ASEAN are commercially-viable companies that integrate people living at the base of the economic pyramid into their value chains—as suppliers, distributors, retailers, or customers. Social Enterprises (SE), such as those in Malaysia, operate mission-first, market-based models that address social and environmental challenges. The convergence of inclusivity and sustainability strengthens equitable economic systems that benefit both business and society.

Forum Highlights

• High-level dialogues on integrating inclusivity and sustainability into business strategies.
• Showcases by women-led IB and SE entities with scalable, evidence-based models.
• Workshops on capacity building and talent development for inclusive enterprises.
• Partnership sessions connecting businesses, governments, and civil society to accelerate impact.

Expected Outcomes

• Clearer understanding of the underlying principles of IB and SE models.
• Deeper insight into the connections between inclusivity and sustainability in business.
• Actionable strategies to scale IB while ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Strengthened multi-sector partnerships to foster inclusive business practices.
• Launch of the Capacity Building and Talent Development Framework for Inclusive Business in ASEAN.

For more information, visit the event website: eighthaseanibforum.com.

GYDA remains committed to empowering youth, advancing inclusive entrepreneurship, and building cross-sector partnerships that connect investment, innovation, and community impact.