; Whereas conservation and sustainable management of forests throughout ASEAN play an important role in helping to mitigate changes in the climate, reduce the risks of extreme weather events and other climate-driven disasters, and provide sustainable economic livelihood opportunities for local communities; Whereas the United States will pursue initiatives that are consistent with broader sustainable development, including the achievement of food security and poverty alleviation throughout the ASEAN region; Whereas the United States is a committed partner with ASEAN on the protection of human rights, which are not only essential for fostering and maintaining stability, security, and good governance, but protecting the basic rights and fundamental dignities of the people of ASEAN; Whereas the United States supports the work and mandate of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), including capacity building for the promotion and protection of human rights and the AICHR’s priorities programs, and activities; Whereas the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Program has now engaged over 100,000 people between the ages of 18 and 35 across all 10 ASEAN nations to promote innovation among young people while also providing skills to a new generation who will create and fill the jobs of the future; Whereas the irregular movement of persons continues to be one of the main security threats in the Southeast Asia region; Whereas addressing migration flows and combating human smuggling and human trafficking in ASEAN is an important, ongoing challenge requiring increased coordination and shared responsibility; Whereas, on November 21, 2015, ASEAN member states signed the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, which represents an important step forward in preventing human trafficking, prosecuting the perpetrators, and protecting the survivors