The 8th of August has always been a festive and eagerly anticipated day at the ASEAN Secretariat: the ASEAN Day Celebration. The theme of the 58th ASEAN Day, “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future,” reflects Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Amidst global transformation, geo-economic shifts, climate change, rapid urbanisation, digital transformation, and ageing populations continue to impact people’s lives in ASEAN. Responding to and leveraging these developments will be crucial to realising the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
With the commitment that “people are at the centre of ASEAN,” the ASCC takes a bold step in advancing a people-centred, people-oriented, and inclusive Community that prioritises people’s well-being and quality of life amid evolving regional and global geopolitical and socio-economic landscapes.
Formally launched in 2015, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, as envisioned in the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (Bali Concord II). The ASCC is often touted as the “People’s Pillar” because the core values of its community-building work focus on people’s well-being, social welfare, and … A People-Centred Future
The genesis of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 The Ha Noi Declaration on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision paved the roadmap for the development of a Post- 2025 Vision, which led the establishment of a High-Level Task Force (HLTF). Guided by a well-deliberated Rules of Procedures, the HLTF convened its first meeting by the end … Crafting the ASCC Strategic Plan: A Systematic, Participatory, and Data-Driven Approach
The world is undergoing unprecedented transformation. In the decades ahead, ASEAN must harness its economic foundation, leverage its diversity, and cultivate future-ready talent to navigate crucial crossroads.
ASEAN is at a critical juncture in its economic trajectory. Over the past decade, the region has made a remarkable progress in integration, stability, and growth, benefiting over 680 million people across 10 Member States. Yet, vast opportunities remain untapped— opportunities that could propel ASEAN to unprecedented levels of prosperity and influence. In today’s rapidly … Your Future, Served Up: An Actionable ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan
As ASEAN embarks on its journey towards 2045 with the launch of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and its Strategic Plans, it is worth reflecting on the words of Vincent Van Gogh: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” This sentiment aptly captures ASEAN’s approach, where decades of steady, … Celebrating Success, Embracing Challenges: The Future of the ASEAN Economic Community
Even the best map needs the wisdom of those who travel the road. This insight underscores ASEAN’s commitment to participatory and inclusive approaches, as reflected in the Ha Noi Declaration on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. These principles take on a special resonance with Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme: “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” Far from being … Charting the Unseen: Why Inclusivity is Central to the Future