Concept Note of 2017 AYA/ATF

1. Theme of AYA/ATF: Youth in Asia Suffering Neo-Liberalism

- Following the spirit of Vatican II, FABC, and Pope Francis teachings, the 2017 Asian Y
outh Academy (AYA)/Asian Theology Forum (ATF) will focus on the themes as follow:
peace, ecological justice and genuine human development with special focus on youth
in and out of the church. Youth is a theme recognized and officially designated by t
he 6th and 7th plenary assemblies of FABC as a special pastoral attentions. Regarding
the AYA part, the intensive youth formation program also focus on human rights in t
he light of Right-based Approach (RBA). As usual, of course, the program promotes
a wider ecumenical, inter-religious and inter-cultural encounter and learning for mutual
growth by inviting some participants and speakers for ATF from other religious tradit
ions.

2. Purposes of the 2017 Program

- Promoting awareness of realities facing Asian youth: Among many is unemployment as a
world phenomenon under neoliberalism. In order to deal with that, we have to examine
the market-dominated system worldwide first as its background. Then proceed to the
reality of economic situation especially unemployment problem in Asia by providing
lectures from experts followed by group discussions and reports. In this workshop part,
young participants are invited to wrestle more with what and how to do to solve the
critical problem as its next step.
- Introduction and explanation on movements such as community movements of Focolare
and various cooperatives among student and youth groups given by the experts in their
lectures for them, the participants will learn and explore to situate the cases to their own
situation to solve their problems.
- Among youth groups Indigenous Peoples (IPs) will be stressed as similar to the former
AYA/ATFs. One of aims is to empower and promote them to find ways in terms of
economic situation and unemployment.

3. Methodology
- Harnessing Exposure-Immersion program as a field trip, the Catholic Social Teachings
(CSTs) and Pastoral Spiral assessment of FABC as a main methodology, the pan-Asian
program also minds other problems from the market-dominated economy such as the
irreconcilable gap between the haves and have-nots, limitless economic development
without knowing where to be heading, making everything a commodity to be sold and
worshipping money that paralyzes all the human dignity.
- The methodology could be sharpened and tuned well with theo-spiritual approach as a
contextual doing theology, or theology of relevance to Asian peoples and cultures. It
 could also be realized and strengthened in ATF by bring it up with various related themes
such as peace or integral human development, human rights, ecological sustainability,
evangelization or mission, a new way of being church in Asia and many others. That
these wide and various topics could give participants a big picture where they are is
necessary. It is even urgent need for them when they are considered to be strengthened
by inclusive and more open spirituality with no problem with other religious and cultural
traditions.
- Interreligious and intercultural encounter and dialogue should have a space here as usual
in all the AYA/ATF program by having its venue Yogyakarta based on diverse cultural and
religious traditions and inviting participants and speakers from the area.