Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and heads of delegations of ASEAN countries at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, May 2023. (Photo: Tuan Anh)
The heart of strategic changes
The ASEAN Future Forum was announced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, September 2023. The forum aims to further exchange ideas and cooperative initiatives to contribute to the rapid, sustainable and people-centered development of ASEAN.
I think this initiative is very timely because the world is becoming more complex and today’s challenges are quite different from 10 years ago.
Competition between great powers is becoming increasingly fiercer, along with uncertain economic growth forecasts. In addition, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Middle East situation cause major humanitarian and migration concerns. Climate change and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic also create disruptions to global food security and other socio-economic consequences.
Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Denny Abdi. (Photo: PA)
On the other hand, we are experiencing rapid development of high technology, digital, and AI, requiring more multi-dimensional cooperation.
In Southeast Asia, we are dealing with Myanmar, the South China Sea, identifying the dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
ASEAN members live at the heart of these changes. That is why ASEAN’s ability to manage conflict and tension is important and necessary, both within the region as well as contributing to global peace and development.
Depending on the circumstances, ASEAN must adjust its strategy to develop resilience and adapt to evolving challenges. This is the meaning of the ASEAN Future Forum.
For Indonesia, this event is very suitable for the theme of Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2023: “ASEAN stature: The epicenter of growth”.
We hope that ASEAN will always be a relevant organization, maintaining its unity and central role in the context of many regional and global changes, both now and in the future. Therefore, Indonesia supports Vietnam’s initiative and looks forward to participating in the Forum.
Enhance synergy in the face of challenges
Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has always strived to promote regional peace and stability as well as promote sustainable development and prosperity.
Regarding security, in 1976, ASEAN signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), emphasizing the peaceful resolution of disputes among member countries. In 1995 at the Bangkok Summit, ASEAN member states agreed on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Treaty (SEANWFZ), contributing to global peace and stability.
Then in 2003, ASEAN passed the Bali II Harmony Declaration agreeing to build three community pillars: politics and security, economics and socio-culture. In 2011, ASEAN adopted the Bali III Declaration, emphasizing ASEAN’s commitments to actively participate and contribute to many global issues.
In 2020, the Hanoi Declaration on the ASEAN Community Vision after 2025 contributed to further enhancing ASEAN’s role in the regional dialogue and cooperation structure.
Regarding the economy, despite global challenges, the growth forecast for ASEAN 2024 remains positive at 4.7%. ASEAN members still promote the development of trade, production, tourism and industry. By 2030, ASEAN’s digital economy is even estimated to be worth $1 trillion. ASEAN is considered successful in achieving human and development progress, lifting millions out of poverty and improving access to education and health.
But clearly ASEAN still has challenges to address, including the situation and geopolitical stability in Myanmar. ASEAN remains consistently interested and active in the Myanmar issue, seeking a peaceful, long-term solution.
ASEAN remains a united and strong Community. Other emerging challenges include: Aging populations, connectivity, human development, climate-related crises and health emergencies.
Recognizing the potentials, challenges and upcoming trends, ASEAN’s post-2025 vision will be very important to guide the Association’s path forward. Currently, ASEAN is building a Community Vision to 2045 to shape its future trajectory.
The ASEAN Vision 2045 strategic plan solicits input from all member states and all pillars in the community, to gain cross-sectoral insights, in sync with the interests of member countries.