The Asian Youth Council (AYC) recognized Laurence Anthony Diestro as one of the ten (10) outstanding young leaders from the different countries in the continent.
Diestro is the first and the only Filipino selected to receive the award this year because of his commendable contributions to the youth sector in the Philippines, particularly his initiatives on helping the people in need during this pandemic.
“Ang karangalang ito ay para sa ating lahat na Pilipino. Nawa po ay maging inspirasyon ito sa lahat ng kabataang Pilipino na pagsikapan ang kanilang mga pangarap. (This recognition is for all the Filipinos. May this serve as inspiration to the Filipino youth so they will work harder towards achieving their respective goals)”, Diestro said as he expressed his gratitude to the council and to his constituents.
AYC highlighted Diestro’s effort on upholding spirit of volunteerism among youth which resulted to positive changes in the communities.
Diestro is currently the Commissioner representing Luzon and an Assistant Secretary of the Philippine’s National Youth Commission (NYC). He was also the former Chairperson of “Sulong ang Pag-unlad” Movement, and the founding chairman of Go Kabataan Pilipinas. He studied at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and at Oxford University’s Said Business School.
Other young leaders who received the same award are Rakib Al Hassan from Bangladesh, Sabina Gopali from Nepal, Dr. Tranh Anh Tu and Hoang Tuan Anh from Vietnam, Hisbulla Baryal and Jan Mohammad Jahid from Afghanistan, Ahmad Farhan Rosli from Malaysia, Nikita Rossov from Russia, and Liu Xian from China.
The awarding is in line with the International Youth Day on August 12, and in celebration of the 49th founding anniversary of AYC on August 14.
As awardees, all ten young leaders are also named as ambassadors and advocacy partners of the AYC. They are set to receive certificates and trophies.
