ASEAN Future Forum: Pivotal platform to address regional challenges and fostering collaboration
WVR - 'Vietnam has consistently demonstrated proactive leadership within ASEAN, and its efforts in hosting and contributing to regional initiatives have been commendable', Lao Ambassdor to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh shared with the World and Vietnam Report on the occasion of the upcoming ASEAN Future Forum 2025.
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| Delegates attended the plenary session of the 44th ASEAN Summit in Laos, October 2024. (Source: VGP) |
What are your expectations of ASEAN Future Forum 2025 and your assessments of Vietnam's efforts?
The ASEAN Future Forum 2025 is expected to be a pivotal platform for addressing regional challenges and fostering collaboration among member states. I anticipate it will focus on key areas such as sustainable development, digital transformation for sustainable peace, smart agriculture for regional food security, climate resilience, and economic integration.
The Forum should emphasize actionable strategies to enhance regional connectivity, promote innovation, and ensure inclusive growth, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery phase. Additionally, it is an opportunity to strengthen ASEAN's centrality in the Indo-Pacific region and bolster partnerships with external stakeholders.
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| Lao Ambassdor to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Photo: Lao Embassy to Vietnam) |
Vietnam has consistently demonstrated proactive leadership within ASEAN, and its efforts in hosting and contributing to regional initiatives have been commendable. The country has prioritized sustainable development, digital economy advancement, and climate action, aligning well with ASEAN's broader goals. Vietnam's role in fostering consensus among member states and its commitment to multilateralism have strengthened ASEAN's unity and global standing. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring equitable benefits from regional integration and addressing disparities among member states. Vietnam's continued focus on inclusive policies while capacity-building will be crucial in driving ASEAN's collective progress.
Overall, the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 presents an opportunity for Vietnam to showcase its leadership and contribute to shaping a resilient and forward-looking ASEAN community. By leveraging its strengths and addressing existing gaps, Vietnam can further solidify its role as a key driver of regional cooperation and development.
In the context of the current international fluctuations, what roles does ASEAN play in promoting peace and stability in the region as well as inspiring cooperation and multilateralism globally?
In the context of current international fluctuations, ASEAN plays a critical role in promoting peace, stability, and multilateralism in the region and beyond. As a cohesive bloc, ASEAN has consistently upheld the principles of dialogue, consensus-building, and non-interference, which have been instrumental in maintaining regional stability amidst geopolitical tensions. By fostering platforms like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN encourages constructive dialogue among major powers, reducing the risk of conflict and promoting mutual understanding.
ASEAN's centrality in the Indo-Pacific region is a cornerstone of its strategy to inspire cooperation. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific emphasize inclusivity, transparency, and respect for international law, providing a framework for peaceful coexistence and collaboration. Additionally, ASEAN's efforts to address non-traditional security challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and maritime security, demonstrate its commitment to collective action and resilience-building.
Globally, ASEAN serves as a model for multilateralism by bridging diverse perspectives and fostering partnerships. Its ability to engage with external partners through mechanisms like the ASEAN Plus Three and the ASEAN-EU dialogue showcases its role as a unifying force in a fragmented world. By championing open regionalism and inclusive growth, ASEAN not only strengthens its own community but also inspires global cooperation, proving that multilateralism remains essential in addressing shared challenges and ensuring a stable, prosperous future.
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| Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly, Spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, had a friendly meeting with the ASEAN Community Women's Circle of Hanoi (AWCH) in October 2024. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
From the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, what are your comments on ASEAN's continuous efforts in development and shaping its future?
ASEAN's transition from the Community Vision 2025 to the Vision 2045 reflects its commitment to long-term development and regional integration. The Vision 2025 laid a strong foundation by focusing on three pillars: Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Communities. It emphasized resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, fostering deeper cooperation among member states.
The Vision 2045 expands on these accomplishments, targeting new challenges like digital transformation, climate change, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. By extending its timeline, ASEAN shows its forward-thinking approach in responding to global changes while upholding its core values of consensus and non-interference. The Vision 2045 also underscores the need to reinforce ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring its significance in an increasingly complex global landscape.
ASEAN's continuous efforts reflect its ability to balance diversity with unity, leveraging the strengths of its member states to achieve collective progress. However, challenges remain, including disparities in development levels and the need for stronger institutional frameworks. Moving forward, ASEAN must enhance its capacity to implement initiatives effectively and ensure that benefits are equitably distributed.
In conclusion, ASEAN's progression from Vision 2025 to Vision 2045 showcases its resilience and adaptability. By focusing on sustainable development, innovation, and regional solidarity, ASEAN is poised to create a prosperous and inclusive future for its population.
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| The first plenary session of ASEAN Future Forum 2024: Accelerating Development for a Sustainable Future, April 2024. |
What has impressed you the most about Vietnam during its 30-year journey of membership in ASEAN, and what are your expectations regarding Vietnam's efforts in achieving ASEAN's strategic goals, including the ASEAN Community Vision 2045?
Vietnam’s 30-year journey as an ASEAN member has been marked by remarkable progress and active contributions to regional integration. What stands out most is Vietnam’s transformation into a dynamic and proactive member, consistently advocating for ASEAN unity and centrality. Its economic growth, driven by reforms and openness, has positioned Vietnam as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, significantly contributing to ASEAN’s collective strength. Additionally, Vietnam’s leadership during its ASEAN Chairmanship years, particularly in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated its ability to foster consensus and drive actionable outcomes, such as the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework.
Vietnam’s dedication to ASEAN’s strategic objectives, including the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, is reflected in its focus on sustainable development, digital transformation, and climate resilience. Serving as a bridge between ASEAN and global partners, Vietnam has significantly enhanced regional cooperation and connectivity. Its proactive approach to issues like maritime security and green energy aligns seamlessly with ASEAN’s long-term priorities.
Looking ahead, I expect Vietnam to continue leveraging its strategic location, economic potential, and diplomatic expertise to advance ASEAN’s goals. By promoting innovation, inclusive growth, and regional solidarity, Vietnam can help shape a resilient and forward-looking ASEAN Community. Its efforts in fostering deeper integration and addressing emerging challenges will be crucial in realizing the Vision 2045, ensuring ASEAN remains a cohesive and influential force in the global arena.
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