ASEAN Future Forum 2024: First session focused on ASEAN fast and sustainable growth
WVR - On April 23, in Hanoi, the first plenary session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) entitled "ASEAN's rapid development for sustainable future" focused on future directions to promote fast and sustainable growth, inclusivity, and self-reliance for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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| The first plenary session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) is entitled "ASEAN's Rapid Development for Sustainable Future". (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Chairing the event, Ambassador Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia stressed that ASEAN's community building goals are closely linked with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025).
He said this forum serves as a platform for stakeholders to showcase the group's commitment and actions toward a new global consensus on multilateral solutions to current and future challenges.
Speaking at the discussion session, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Erywan Yusof highlighted the rapid development and numerous achievements of ASEAN. Faced with significant challenges, Minister Yusof emphasized the need for ASEAN to be ready and prepared for its people to seize the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to promote a more competitive regional economy that is more encompassing.
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| Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Erywan Yusof speaks at the session. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
In order to develop a sustainable future for ASEAN, Minister Yusof suggested that ASEAN should continue to focus on maintaining peace, security, mutual trust, and understanding. Additionally, the group needs to sustain efforts to promote dialogue cooperation among its members and with partners. Furthermore, ASEAN needs to develop roadmaps and promote technologies such as AI.
In his remarks, Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung described digital transformation and green transition as the most critical factors in the coming decade. He called for new digital institutions, new digital infrastructure and a new digital workforce.
Vietnam has many initiatives aimed at providing basic digital skills to its people, such as digital villages, community-based digital groups and open online courses, he said, affirming readiness to share experience with and learn from ASEAN counterparts regarding these initiatives.
The Minister made it clear that the future is a digital ASEAN, and there is still a long road ahead.
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| Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung speaks at the event. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
For his part, Professor Tetsuya Watanabe, President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), evaluates that ASEAN has achieved significant success in maintaining peace, promoting economic development, and building a culturally diverse community. These achievements are the result of various factors, including cooperation and consensus, pragmatism, openness and integration, and cultural diversity.
According to Professor Tetsuya Watanabe, ASEAN's success is a valuable lesson for other regions around the world in building peace, stability, and development. To continue its success in the future, ASEAN needs to further strengthen unity, enhance cooperation, and foster innovation.
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| In overall, discussions focused on potential governance models and initiatives that allow member countries to overcome economic instability and complexity in strategic geography toward sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the post-pandemic era. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
In the vibrant atmosphere of the discussion, delegates have proposed ways to apply scientific and technological advances and innovative solutions to achieve the goal of harmonizing prosperity and sustainable development. Furthermore, opinions have also emphasized the importance of renewable energy, circular economy, green finance, sustainable supply chains, and innovation in providing solutions to help countries achieve economic and social growth while still being environmentally protective.
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| Some delegates highlighted measures for ASEAN countries to effectively incorporate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national development strategies. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
In the context of complex strategic geopolitics, delegates proposed suitable governance models for ASEAN countries to maintain rapid and sustainable development and put forward ASEAN measures to adapt to and contribute to the global governance architecture.
With the aim of a fast and sustainable development future, some delegates also highlighted measures for ASEAN countries to effectively incorporate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national development strategies, sustain economic growth, and enhance human capital in the digital economy.
Some opinions emphasize regional cooperation, coordination between governments and businesses to promote green transformation, digital transformation, sustainable resource management, and the development of smart cities.
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| In the vibrant atmosphere of the discussion, delegates have proposed ways to apply scientific and technological advances and innovative solutions. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
In overall, discussions focused on potential governance models and initiatives that allow member countries to overcome economic instability and complexity in strategic geography toward sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the post-pandemic era. This included seeking a harmonious balance between the urgent needs for rapid socioeconomic development and the requirements for environmental sustainability and strategic autonomy, taking into account the importance of data-driven decision-making, public-private partnerships, and innovative solutions in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable supply chains.
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| In the context of complex strategic geopolitics, delegates proposed suitable governance models for ASEAN. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
The AFF 2024, themed “Toward Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centered ASEAN Community”, was an important initiative proposed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 43rd ASEAN Summit last September. It aimed at creating a common platform for ASEAN member states as well as partner countries and ASEAN people to contribute to promoting and shaping the bloc’s development path.
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| Participants at the first plenary session of the AFF 2024, themed “Toward Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centered ASEAN Community”. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
