“Educators Hold the Future of Youth.” JALAN Civic Lab at Webinar on The Role of the Educators in Advancing DEI.
Online
On 10 September 2025, JALAN Civic Lab’s Executive Director, Matt Yutthaworakool, was invited to the Webinar entitled, “The Role of the Young Generation in Advancing Diversity, Inclusion, and Gender Equality,” organised by Mindanao State University-General Santos’ Bachelor of Elementary Education Department.
Challenges Faced by Youth
The session began with a simple but urgent question: What challenges do young people face today? Participants were encouraged to reflect on issues ranging from economic uncertainty to political repression and the widening gap of inequality between urban and rural communities. The discussion revealed that while contexts vary, many of these obstacles overlap. Youth in Southeast Asia must navigate restrictions on freedom of expression, systemic discrimination, and limited access to resources, all while carrying the hopes of their communities for a better future. By foregrounding these challenges, the webinar underscored the resilience and creativity that young people bring to these struggles, often stepping into spaces where established institutions have failed to act.
Same-Same but Different: Thailand Versus the Philippines
Matt compared Thailand and the Philippines under the theme “Same Same but Different.” Both nations are democracies with vibrant civil societies and active youth participation, yet the conditions shaping activism differ considerably. Thailand’s political life continues to be marked by its constitutional monarchy and a history of military coups, with youth movements often facing restrictions on assembly and expression. By contrast, the Philippines, with its presidential republic, has historically nurtured youth-led activism through community organising, faith-based initiatives, and the legacy of People Power. Economically, Thailand relies on exports, tourism, and agriculture, while the Philippines depends heavily on remittances and the BPO sector. Socially, Thai society is deeply influenced by Theravada Buddhism and hierarchical traditions, whereas Catholicism and Spanish colonial heritage have shaped Filipino identity. Despite these contrasts, the young generation in both contexts shares similar struggles—rural poverty, inequality, and the quest for meaningful participation in governance.
Why This Conversation Matters?
The webinar then turned to the central question: why should diversity, inclusion, and gender equality matter for young people and educators? Persistent inequalities continue to affect millions, particularly women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and marginalised youth. These injustices manifest in everyday life, from online harassment to systemic barriers in schools and workplaces. Yet the conversation also highlighted the potential for change. Educators and youth leaders play crucial roles in shaping values, identities, and norms. Classrooms, universities, and community spaces are not neutral; they either reproduce exclusion or become sites of transformation. With global crises such as climate change, economic instability, and conflict disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, the urgency of fostering inclusive and equitable practices cannot be overstated. Local actions, when grounded in justice and solidarity, can have a ripple effect, influencing broader societal shifts.
The Role of Educators
Educators were positioned as central actors in the struggle for inclusion. Drawing on Paulo Freire’s assertion that teachers are never neutral, the webinar outlined the multiple ways educators shape the future. Teachers act as gatekeepers by deciding what knowledge is prioritised and whose histories are told. They also serve as role models, shaping how respect and equity are practised in everyday interactions. Educators can challenge dominant narratives by integrating marginalised voices into curricula, creating classrooms that mirror the diversity of society. Importantly, they can also create “brave spaces,” where discomfort is embraced as part of social justice learning. Beyond the classroom, educators can advocate for institutional reforms, such as anti-discrimination policies or gender-neutral facilities, and serve as allies and mentors for students who face exclusion. By positioning themselves as co-learners alongside their students, educators embody the humility and openness required to respond to shifting social realities.
Defining Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
With these roles established, the session moved to clarify three foundational concepts. Diversity was described as the presence of difference, whether visible, such as race and gender, or invisible, such as beliefs, socio-economic background, or sexual orientation. Yet, as Matt emphasised, diversity alone is not enough; without structural change, diverse groups can still replicate exclusion. Inclusion, by contrast, is the active practice of ensuring that diversity translates into belonging, representation, and meaningful participation. It is about creating environments where difference is respected and celebrated, rather than merely tolerated. Equity was presented as fairness through recognising different needs and barriers. Unlike equality, which treats everyone the same, equity acknowledges that people start from unequal positions and therefore require tailored support to achieve just outcomes. Justice, in this sense, represents the longer-term goal of dismantling structural barriers altogether.
Power, Privilege, and Participation
To help participants translate these abstract concepts into practice, Matt introduced the “3P” framework: Power, Privilege, and Participation. Power, he explained, shapes whose voices are heard and whose interests are prioritised. When used intentionally, it can mobilise allies, amplify marginalised voices, and influence systems of change. Privilege requires self-awareness and responsibility, prompting individuals to consider how their advantages, whether based on education, social class, or identity, can be leveraged to support others rather than perpetuate exclusion. Participation ties these ideas together, ensuring that diversity and equity are not just ideals but practices, where everyone is empowered to take part in decision-making and leadership. Together, the 3Ps provide a compass for educators and young people seeking to create inclusive and just environments.
From Awareness to Action
The webinar concluded with a powerful message: diversity, inclusion, and gender equality are not abstract ideals but daily practices. Real change comes from speaking up against exclusion, creating spaces of belonging, and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalised. As Matt reminded participants, “Real impact is not teaching but empowering.” By asking attendees to commit to one small action they could take the very next day, the session reinforced the idea that social transformation begins with individual choices that ripple outward into broader movements.
If you are interested in future thinking on any topics related to civic, climate, digital, and data democracy, we would love to collaborate. Contact us at: jalanciviclab@gmail.com
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