The future of trade unions in Asia-Pacific took centre stage at the 18th Youth Leadership Course (YLC), held in Singapore from 22–26 September 2025. The programme, themed “Youth Organising for Democracy and a New Social Contract: Building Inclusive Trade Unions for Rights and Climate Justice in Asia-Pacific,” brought together 30 young trade union leaders from 20 countries to strengthen solidarity, leadership, and organising skills.
Jointly organised by the ITUC-Asia Pacific, the Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF), and the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi), with support from Singapore National Trades Union Congress (SNTUC) and the ITUC Organising Academy, the course reaffirmed the vital role of youth in revitalising the labour movement and defending democracy across the region.
In his address, Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of ITUC-Asia Pacific, cautioned the youth against the rise of populism that “divides societies by exploiting fears and frustrations,” urging unions to act as “forces that unite through democracy, solidarity, and justice.” He said:
“It is the courage and leadership of young trade unionists that give us hope. Without them, the movement cannot secure the future of democracy and workers’ rights.”
Responding to the current issues workers face in the region, the 18th YLC explored a wide range of themes crucial to trade union renewal. Sessions discussed organising challenges in Asia and the Pacific region, focusing on the need for youth-driven strategies to confront precarious work and anti-union practices.
The course also highlighted the importance of engaging young workers as essential to the survival and renewal of unions, alongside advancing gender equality and promoting young women’s leadership to build inclusive movements. Practical workshops provided tools for planning, analysis, campaigning, leadership development, and persuasive conversations to enhance organising efforts.
Other discussions connected the New Social Contract to the creation of inclusive unions and the pursuit of a just transition towards sustainable economies. Participants gained insights into constructive labour relations, workplace consultation, and occupational safety and health, while also linking trade union work to global efforts for democracy and climate justice. They were also urged to connect local struggles with broader movements for rights, democracy, and solidarity, reinforcing the shared goal of building a youth-powered, inclusive trade union movement in Asia and the Pacific.
Together, these interventions gave participants a blend of political vision, organising tools, and solidarity frameworks, reinforcing that the future of trade unions lies in youth-powered leadership committed to democracy, equality, and justice.
To supplement these efforts, participants also had the opportunity to visit the SNTUC and ITUC-Asia Pacific offices to exchange insights on national and regional organising strategies, gaining first-hand exposure to Singapore’s labour movement and its approaches to tripartism and worker empowerment.
By the end of the course, participants strengthened their skills in organising, campaigning, negotiation, and leadership, and deepened their commitment to advancing the ITUC’s six demands for a New Social Contract: decent jobs, rights, living wages, universal social protection, equality, and inclusion.
The 18th YLC reaffirmed that the future of the labour movement is youth-powered, driven by a new generation of leaders committed to advancing democracy, equality, and climate justice across the Asia-Pacific.
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