From August 23 to 25, 2025, YCW leaders from Asia Pacific and Indonesia took part in the Asian Theology Forum (ATF) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The event was organized by ALL Forum and brought together young people, Church leaders, pastoral workers, environmental advocates, and social activists from different parts of Asia.

The theme of the forum, “Asian Christianity’s Critical Approach to COP 30, UN-led SDGs, and Religious Nationalism from the View of Peoples Caught in a Desperate Situation in Asia”, challenged participants to reflect on the urgent realities facing people today.

The IYCW Asia Pacific shared the topic: “How Youth Suffer from Unemployment, Gig Labor, and Endless Competition in a Neo-Liberal Economy. How Does and Will YCW-Asia Respond?”

In the presentation, we highlighted how neoliberal policies—deregulation, privatization, and liberalization—have worsened the lives of workers. Government controls have been weakened, labor rights in economic zones are ignored, and public services like water, electricity, transportation, education, and healthcare have been turned into profit-making businesses. Free trade has opened markets, but it has left many countries, such as the Philippines, in deep economic and political crises, especially as farmers and local industries have been left without support.

We also raised the reality of gig work and unemployment. Many young workers today rely on delivery, ride-hailing, and online freelance jobs. Yet they face low wages, unstable conditions, and no protection. Their contributions are undervalued, while they carry the burden of surviving in an economy that treats them as disposable.

As Jacques Hannon once said: “Young people are victims of many forms of degrading and unstable work, no matter their race, nationality, gender, culture, or religion.”

The forum reminded us of our mission: to challenge these unjust systems and fight for decent work and a dignified life for all. With the Church, labor groups, civil society, and young people, we must continue to educate, raise awareness, build solidarity, and take collective action.

The ATF ended with a strong call to live out theology through justice, compassion, and hope—a reminder that faith must be practiced in our struggles for workers’ rights and social transformation.