CALD Youth Elects New Officials

Ms. Bulgan Bayasgalant of the Civil Will Green Party, newly elected Chair of the CALD Youth.

Representatives from the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats youth wing (CALD Youth) convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 25 April 2015 for the leadership elections and turnover. Organized on the sidelines of the CALD Conference, “Regional Integration in Asia: What Can We Expect from the ASEAN Community?” and Executive Committee meeting, the gathering was attended by youth representatives from the Civil Will Green Party (CWGP) of Mongolia, Liberal Party (LP) of the Philippines, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan, Democrat Party (DP) of Thailand, and observer member, the National League for Democracy (NLD Burma).

Paul Rafael and Jorgia Salonga, from the CALD Youth Secretariat, also handling the CALD Climate Change and CALD Women’s Caucus Programmes, respectively, presided over the meeting. Then incumbent CALD Youth Secretary General, Bulgan Bayasgalant was also present.

Of the youth nominees sent by CALD Member Parties, Bulgan Bayasgalant of CWGP, and Kashane Wangpatravanich of DP accepted the nominations and ran for both the chairmanship and secretary general positions. After votes were lodged, Bayasgalant was proclaimed CALD Youth Chair, and Wangpatravanich as Secretary General.

Commenting on the recent elections, “As the new Secretary General, I plan to continue with CALD Youth’s active work with climate change, and follow-up on issues affecting critical area across the region. Also, to develop and consolidate a plan which emphasizes the critical need to decrease global carbon emissions. I hope that we make our voices heard, and impact the global stage in time,” said Wangpatravanich.

“Youth is the spirit of adventure and awakening. The Asian youth are everywhere across the continent initiating and leading movements followed by millions behind attempting to build a better future. However, this spirit and energy will not last long. Humankind, therefore, need to make the best out of their youth. That too, is my very reason to lead CALD Youth for the next two years,” Bayasgalant added.