Our Commitment  

We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all youth and program participants. All ADB staff, contractors, and participants have a shared responsibility to uphold the principles of the Safeguarding Policy. The policy includes preventing and responding to any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, or neglect—whether physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological—within the context of our programs and interactions.  

Why Safeguarding Matters  

Young people bring so much passion, creativity, and energy wherever they go—which we deeply value. With this comes the responsibility to recognize that they may be more vulnerable to harm or unfair treatment. That’s why it’s on all of us—ADB staff, contractors, and fellow participants—to help ensure their safety. By creating a respectful, empowering, and abuse-free space, we protect that spark and enable them to thrive.   

The Code of Conduct  

Recognizing that young people are especially vulnerable, we require all participants of the Asia Pacific Youth Symposium (APYS) to contribute to a safe and empowering space, meaning to adhere to the following principles:   

Safeguarding Young People in All Aspects  

·       Treat everyone with respect, fairness, and dignity, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or beliefs.  

·       Avoid any behavior perceived as exploitative, abusive, or inappropriate.  

·       Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries at all times.  

·       Never use language or behavior that is threatening, shaming, derogatory, or abusive.  

·       Act immediately and report any concerns about abuse, harassment, or safeguarding violations.   

Maintain High Standards of Professional Conduct  

·       Take proactive steps to ensure that your actions do not place young people or others at risk of harm.  

·       Act per applicable local safeguarding laws, policies, and ADB procedures.  

·       When unsure, seek guidance from the Youth Safeguarding Committee or relevant focal points.  

·       Uphold ADB’s reputation by consistently modeling integrity, respect, and accountability.   

Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns  

·       You must immediately report any actual, suspected, or potential safeguarding concern to the Youth Safeguarding Focal/Committee.  

·       Never ignore or conceal any information related to safeguarding violations or breaches of conduct.  

Cooperate fully with any investigations or safeguarding responses undertaken by the Committee. 

APYS Safeguarding Committee 

The APYS Safeguarding Committee ensures that necessary measures are taken for the safe and meaningful participation of young people attending the event. It functions as an advisory, controlling, and decision-making body for pre-event preparations and any safeguarding case about the event that is brought to its attention.