The ASEAN Secretariat hosted the 4th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN.

The ASEAN Secretariat hosts the 4th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN.
(Source: ASEAN website)

This annual forum provides a platform for the ASEAN accredited entities to bolster further cooperation with ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN sectoral bodies and ASEAN related centres, and among themselves.

About 150 participants representing ASEAN parliamentarians, judiciaries, youth, civil societies, women, and business and professional associations attended this year’s forum which took place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his welcome remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi encouraged the entities to explore collaboration with one another, contributing to realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and strengthening the ASEAN image and brand.

Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN Ambassador Tran Duc Binh, in his role as Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (ASEAN CPR), appreciated the entities’ contributions to raising ASEAN awareness and fostering community building.

The forum kicked off with an overview of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in ASEAN and the bloc’s responses to date, in particular, how ASEAN member states are working closely together for a post-pandemic recovery framework.

The participants shared their on-the-ground views on the progress of ASEAN Vision 2025 and possible areas for improvement. As COVID-19 continues to hit the region and worldwide, the ASEAN entities acknowledged that the journey to recovery requires closer cooperation between various partners and stakeholders.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs Michael Tene called on ASEAN and its entities to work closer together in achieving ASEAN Vision 2025 and contribute to joint efforts in ensuring a peaceful, resilient and prosperous region.

There are currently 75 entities associated with ASEAN which are listed in Annex 2 of the ASEAN Charter. They are categorised into parliamentarians and judiciary, business organisations, think tank and academic institutions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.