JAKARTA, 21 January 2020 – ASEAN launched the 2020 Year of ASEAN Identity by unveiling the winning logo of the Logo Design Competition for Youths at the ASEAN Secretariat today. The competition, launched in September 2019 with the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), attracted 1,378 submissions from the youth across the ASEAN Member States.

The Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Kung Phoak in his welcome remarks said, “The designation of 2020 as the Year of ASEAN Identity aims to create greater public awareness among our ASEAN citizens especially the youth on ASEAN, and its activities and developments”.

Affirming Germany’s support for ASEAN identity-building, the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste and ASEAN Peter Schoof said, “We are very proud to be part of the 2020 Year of ASEAN Identity. Germany is committed to helping ASEAN in various important areas for the organisation and its citizens [and] I look forward to an excellent and friendly relationship in the coming years and beyond.”

The presentations of the top three winners who shared their inspirations behind the design of their logos took place after the unveiling of the winning logo. An exhibition showcasing the winning designs and other submissions was held. To create greater conversations on the efforts to foster ASEAN Identity, an open discussion on identity-building and awareness-raising on ASEAN was also convened.

In attendance were the Permanent Representatives of Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines to ASEAN, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, representatives from GIZ Indonesia, the ASEAN Foundation, university students, and journalists from local and international media.

Several events will be held this year to celebrate the 2020 Year of ASEAN Identity including the ASEAN Identity Symposium. More details will be disseminated through ASEAN’s official website and various media channels.