AoS welcomes ASEAN encouragement to expand its work across all 11 member states
The Alliance of Sport (AoS) has welcomed encouragement from the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Secretariat to expand its work across all 11 ASEAN member states, providing a clear mandate to build on the foundations of the Sport and Youth Crime Prevention (SYCP) Initiative.
AoS was invited to participate as a partner organisation at the 17th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS-17) in Cambodia. CEO James Mapstone presented updates, learning and next steps from SYCP, sharing how the initiative is connecting community delivery with national partnerships and regional co-operation.
Initiated by the Agence Française de développement (AFD) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the SYCP Initiative brings together AoS, Laureus Sport for Good and Upshot, alongside national and local partners, to strengthen the role of sport in supporting young people and preventing youth crime across Lao PDR, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
CONNECTING DELIVERY, EVIDENCE AND LEARNING
The presentation explored progress in community delivery, capacity building and partnership development, alongside the lessons shaping the next phase of work.
A central lesson is the importance of connecting organisations working directly with young people to wider support, expertise and opportunities. Community programmes generate valuable experience and evidence. Bringing this learning into national and regional discussions can help shape policy, strengthen practice and inform future investment.
National networks are an important part of this approach. They bring together partners across sectors to identify shared priorities, exchange learning and develop collective action. Alongside the regional Community of Practice, they help sustain relationships and strengthen the capability of those using sport to support the engagement and development of young people.
Local ownership remains essential. AoS’s role is to help partners establish and lead their own networks, providing ongoing support that responds to each country’s needs.
A MANDATE TO BUILD ON THE FOUNDATIONS
Following the meeting, AoS welcomed the ASEAN Secretariat’s encouragement to expand its work across all 11 ASEAN Member States.
CEO James Mapstone said: “This provides a clear mandate to build on the relationships, delivery and learning developed through SYCP, and to work with partners towards a wider regional framework supporting stronger and more connected communities through sport.
“The ambition is to connect policy, practice, evidence and investment across Southeast Asia, while ensuring that national priorities and local communities shape the work.”
James (pictured above) commented: “Sports diplomacy plays an important role in this process. Meetings such as SOMS create opportunities to strengthen trust, share experience and connect people who can help turn common ambitions into practical action.
“For AoS, participation was also an opportunity to reconnect with existing partners and build new relationships. These connections will be important as discussions move towards the partnerships and investment needed for the next phase.”
PARTNERING FOR WIDER REACH AND LASTING IMPACT
AoS is inviting partners to help develop and invest in the expansion of this framework across all 11 countries.
Support is needed in two connected areas: the shared framework that enables co-operation, and the programmes that deliver change within communities.
Investment in the framework will support national networks, regional coordination, capacity-building, evidence and shared learning. Investment in programme delivery will enable funds to be passed on to local organisations working in under-served communities and using sport to drive social change.
Together, these elements can strengthen the support available to local organisations, extend opportunities for participation and ensure that learning from delivery informs wider decisions about policy and investment.
AoS welcomes conversations with organisations interested in getting involved. Partners can contribute funding, expertise, national connections and programme opportunities to help turn this regional ambition into sustained local action.
To explore opportunities to partner with AoS or invest in the next phase, please contact us.