The ASEAN's current vision concentrates more on the well-being of ASEAN citizens, ensuring fundamental freedoms, human rights, and an improved quality of life for all. (Photo: ASEAN Secretariat)

Opportunities for all

Being a community that provides opportunities for everyone and emphasizes the close connection and mutual support among ASEAN citizens for lasting peace, stability, and shared prosperity, ASEAN has a strong basis for fostering opportunities in the life journey of its people. The fundamental strategic objective for the bloc should be the development of a people-focused vision for the ASEAN Community Vision to 2045. Without this, the bloc may lose its status as a reliable cooperation mechanism in the region.

Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has become a venue for cooperation in Southeast Asia, maintaining peace and stability through a policy of non-interference. ASEAN is strongly dedicated to improving the well-being and prosperity of the ASEAN Community. Through various initiatives in education, poverty reduction, and health, ASEAN has elevated living standards and increased access to vital services for millions in the region. Additionally, the focus on interpersonal connections has strengthened social ties, fostering unity and solidarity across diverse cultures and nations. ASEAN's capability to foster peace and shared prosperity is crucial.

Currently, ASEAN confronts new challenges both internally and externally. Throughout its 55-year history, ASEAN's primary objective has been to tackle external challenges by fostering unity against the hegemonic ambitions of major powers, promoting collective strength, and enhancing cooperation and the well-being of its people. However, the region's future trajectory over the next two decades hinges on its ability to thrive and recover amidst instability and disruption. Geopolitics in the area is intricately shaped by complex interactions among major powers, and the global economy is grappling with inflationary pressures and increased interest rates. Disruptions in global supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have led to higher energy and food prices, contributing to various socio-economic issues affecting ASEAN citizens.

Besides, ASEAN also deals with socio-economic challenges encompassing an aging population, disparities between urban and rural regions, the influence of artificial intelligence on education and employment, workforce adaptability, climate change, and the surge in climate-related disasters and public health crises. The pandemic has underscored the region's susceptibility to numerous health threats, including infectious and non-communicable diseases, along with the profound consequences of climate change. The bloc's commitment to constructing a more robust and cohesive ASEAN Community is being tested by external events and regional challenges.

The ASEAN Fun Walk 2023 on August 12, 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City attracted the participation of approximately 1,000 local and foreign runners. (Photo: Indonesian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City)

People-centered orientation

The Declaration of ASEAN Concord IV reconfirmed the bloc's dedication to the full implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the pursuit of the ASEAN Community Vision to 2045 and related documents. The goal is to construct a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN capable of seizing opportunities and tackling present and future challenges.

During the 10th meeting of HLTF-ACV in August 2023, ASEAN leaders endorsed the preliminary ASEAN Community Vision 2045: “Resilient, Creative, Dynamic, and People-Centered ASEAN.” The current vision concentrates more on the well-being of ASEAN citizens, ensuring fundamental freedoms, human rights, and an improved quality of life for all.

Moreover, UNICEF Regional Ambassador for East Asia and Pacific, Siwon Choi, addressed the 2023 ASEAN Business & Investment Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, stating that the ASEAN Vision to 2045 must be “an era of people”. Clearly, maintaining a focus on the people-centered mission within the 2045 ASEAN Vision will guide ASEAN in the right direction and enhance its credibility in the eyes of partner organizations.

The ASEAN Community Vision to 2045 seeks to enhance resilience and address emerging challenges and future uncertainties. This proactive approach aims to enable ASEAN to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges and provide member states with a clearer framework for aligning their national development strategies with ASEAN's overall development. The bloc is committed to strengthening its capacity to address current and emerging challenges and maintain ASEAN centrality amidst other challenges.

The central objective, however, is for ASEAN to establish a resilient, inclusive, and people-centered community. Without this core focus, ASEAN will deviate from its development path and will no longer be a cooperation mechanism for the people of Southeast Asian countries.”

* Institute for Southeast Asian Studies

** People's Security Academy