It is time to discuss… a more suitable future for ASEAN
WVR - The dynamic backdrop of the current regional and global landscape raises urgent questions about the future relevance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended and delivered a speech at the plenary session of the special summit celebrating 50 years of ASEAN-Australia relations. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Entering its sixth decade of development and maturity, ASEAN has become an indispensable participant, actively promoting peace, security, and development through dialogue and cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
A new dialogue platform needed
Despite notable achievements, the rapidly evolving strategic complexities in the region and the world, along with the development needs of its member countries, present new opportunities and challenges for ASEAN.
Will ASEAN's future mirror its past? How will ASEAN evolve to adapt to the rapidly changing regional and global environment, as well as meet the needs of its member countries? Which core values should ASEAN maintain, and what transformations are needed? What are the next steps in its integration process? Most importantly, what is the best growth model for ASEAN member countries?
These are some of the questions needing answers as those within ASEAN, its partners, and friends reflect on the future of ASEAN.
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| ASEAN Secretary-General and Ministers posed for a group photo at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
As ASEAN strives to build a vision post-2025, discussions about its future, both practically and visionarily, are becoming more relevant. A multi-layered, multidimensional, and multi-stakeholder platform would benefit such dialogues. This platform could complement existing ASEAN Forums and help policymakers outline a long-term, feasible, and effective roadmap for the community. It also represents our region's voice and contribution to the United Nations' Future Summit.
The ASEAN Future Forum, an initiative promoted by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is expected to be held in Hanoi as such a platform.
The forum aims to:
Firstly, to facilitate deep and comprehensive discussions realistically and visionarily among different stakeholders, inside and outside the region, involving government leaders, policymakers, experts, practitioners (business community, youth, and other stakeholders) on critical issues for ASEAN's future and progress;
Second, to propose feasible policy recommendations and initiatives for ASEAN leaders and policymakers to consider, directly contributing to high-level decision-making processes;
Thirdly, to support the development of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, realize the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, among other issues, maintain ASEAN's critical values and principles, and outline a sustainable development roadmap for the organization in the long term;
Fourthly, to deepen trust, understanding, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation among ASEAN member countries and external partners, as well as all stakeholders interested in advancing a progressive future for ASEAN;
Finally, to enhance ASEAN's institutional capacity to better navigate the complexities of the current regional and global landscape.
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet visits the ASEAN-Korea tourism exhibition in Hanoi, November 2023. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Turning initiative into reality
In the current complex global competitive landscape, the Vietnamese Government has recognized the importance of enhancing cooperation across ASEAN's crucial pillars and Vietnam's relations with other countries, especially in politics - foreign affairs, economy - trade - investment, security - defense, education - training, science - technology… Accordingly, continued close cooperation is needed to build a united, unified ASEAN, enhancing intra-bloc cooperation, and playing a central role in addressing security and strategic issues in the region.
Since recognizing the urgency of the issue, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has strongly promoted the ASEAN Future Forum initiative focused on rapid and sustainable development, with people at its core, to be held in Hanoi. In every meeting and ASEAN-related activity, with international leaders as well as representatives from countries and international organizations, the head of the Government always takes the time to meet and express the desire for guests' participation at the event. Under the Prime Minister's direction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urgently carrying out comprehensive preparations to implement this initiative into reality.
Following the initiative's deployment, at the most recent important meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers - AMM Retreat in Luang Prabang, Laos, on January 28, besides inviting countries to participate in the Forum, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the forum's importance. It will be a venue for in-depth, multidimensional exchanges among officials, experts, scholars, and various groups on innovative policy ideas and recommendations for ASEAN's development, connectivity and cooperation.
The Minister stressed that ASEAN needs to maintain unity, consensus, promote independence and strategic autonomy. ASEAN should maintain a balanced, objective approach, enhance its role and voice in issues related to peace, security, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world. With a 20-year timeframe, the 2045 Strategies need an inclusive, comprehensive and innovative approach, with mechanisms for regular monitoring, evaluation and updates to ensure they meet ASEAN's priorities and needs in all circumstances.
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| ASEAN flag raising ceremony 2023 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commemorating ASEAN's founding day. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
In response to Vietnam's effort and dedication, many leaders and delegates have highly appreciated the initiative, confirmed their attendance, and hoped the Forum would be held annually, becoming a leading platform for discussing issues related to ASEAN's future.
It is clear, with a central role in diplomacy and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region becoming a key factor shaping ASEAN's future development, the proactive and active promotion of this role by Vietnam and ASEAN member countries is contributing to increasing resilience for ASEAN and themselves in an unstable international environment today.
| The ASEAN Future Forum 2024 is scheduled for April 23 in Hanoi, with the attendance of high-level leaders, government officials, policymakers, experts, practitioners (businesses, international organizations…) and stakeholders from member countries and ASEAN partners. |
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