ASEAN’s key role amid global uncertainty

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Jakarta(ANTARA) – As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaches its 57th anniversary, it is playing an increasingly important role in ongoing global dynamics.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said this important role is reflected in the efforts of ASEAN countries to jointly maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity amid global uncertainty.

Furthermore, the region’s economy remains stable, with a growth rate of 4.5%, which is higher than the global average and is therefore considered relatively stable.

At the same time, according to estimates by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as the ASEAN region gradually develops into a global technological innovation and trade center, the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) is also expected to achieve more significant growth.

However, Marsudi highlighted the increasingly complex geopolitical situation in his speech at the 57th anniversary of ASEAN on Thursday.

This points to more serious problems, such as a lack of trust between states, zero-sum games, the erosion of multilateralism, and a lack of respect for international law.

She said that in order to maintain peace and stability in the region, three important goals need to continue to be pursued.

The first is to make ASEAN a region fit for purpose, which will ensure that the ASEAN Community remains the focal point of the region’s development goals.

To achieve this goal, ASEAN must reaffirm its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.

ASEAN’s mechanisms for addressing human rights issues must keep pace with the growing human rights challenges, especially the increasing cases of human trafficking in the region and serious human rights violations in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

The second goal is to make ASEAN a region adept at coping with challenges in order to address existing problems.

To meet the challenges, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 must include an action-oriented strategic plan.

Regional mechanisms must be strengthened, especially health architecture, food and energy security, financial stability and digital transformation.

“Only by doing this can we ensure that our region becomes a hub of growth,” Marsudi said.

Meanwhile, the third goal is to make ASEAN a place fit for greatness. A culture of inclusiveness and cooperation is key to achieving peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Therefore, ASEAN needs to continue to mainstream this paradigm beyond ASEAN through the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

A Connected and Resilient ASEAN
Marsudi stressed the importance of a cooperative model, while ASEAN Secretary-General Ko Kim Hwan also stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation in enhancing connectivity and resilience in the region.

All of this contributes to the achievement of an increasingly close and resilient ASEAN, in line with the theme of ASEAN’s 57th anniversary this year.

The Secretary-General stressed ASEAN’s commitment to promoting regional integration, cooperation and connectivity, and highlighted three key points of current concern.

First, ASEAN must continue to adhere to the principle of open regionalism, ensure neutrality and solidarity, and keep markets open for trade and investment.

He said ASEAN countries’ participation at the global level is very important for promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.

Furthermore, ASEAN needs to maintain an open, inclusive, rules-based regional order to make progress in a dynamic international landscape.

The second key point is that ASEAN must unleash all its potential to drive new growth, diversify its economies and enhance resilience.

ASEAN countries therefore need to harness the dynamism of the digital economy and young, tech-savvy population and continue to pursue innovative technologies.

It is critical to implement effective digital initiatives, including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, negotiations for which are expected to be completed next year.

The Secretary-General expressed the hope that this innovative agreement will make a significant contribution to the development of the digital economy in the ASEAN region, narrow the regional digital divide, enhance productivity and competitiveness, and ultimately improve the well-being of people across the region.

The third point is to ensure the implementation of ASEAN’s people pillar, so that people become the main driving force for regional integration.

He added: “This is about ensuring it delivers real benefits to our people and society.”

Celebrations of the 57th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN were held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Thursday, with the theme of “An Interconnected and Resilient ASEAN Community”.

The celebration was co-hosted by ASEAN Secretary-General Hun, ASEAN and Central Asian Countries Cooperation Minister Marsudi and Lao People’s Democratic Republic Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.

Also present at the event were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Land Affairs and Spatial Planning and director-general of the National Land Office (ATR/BPN) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, and ambassadors from several countries.

The event also praised Minister Marsudi’s dedication to Indonesia during her ten years as Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, and her support to ASEAN, especially the ASEAN Secretariat.

During the celebration, Indonesia also showcased Indonesian cooperative batik to ASEAN, with batik patterns inspired by various flowers grown in ASEAN countries.

The collaborative batik symbolizes hope, wisdom and unity, as well as synergy between Southeast Asian countries.

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