In 2025, the Parliament of Malaysia is honoured to assume the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), a crucial role in fostering regional parliamentary cooperation. As ASEAN stands at the crossroads of unprecedented global challenges and opportunities, AIPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that parliamentary institutions lead the way in advancing inclusive growth and sustainability across the region. This year’s theme, "Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN," reflects our collective determination to build a future where prosperity is shared, and development is resilient.
The role of parliaments in ASEAN’s future
Parliaments play a fundamental role in shaping policies that drive social progress, economic equity, and environmental sustainability. By strengthening legislative frameworks, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring robust governance, parliamentarians serve as a bridge between governments and the people. In a rapidly evolving world, we must reaffirm our commitment to participatory democracy, ensuring that development is not only economically viable but also socially and environmentally responsible.
Parliaments must act as catalysts for progress by fostering public-private partnerships, investing in technological advancements, and ensuring that regulatory frameworks are adaptable to emerging global trends. Inclusive governance that accommodates diverse voices is critical in designing policies that benefit all ASEAN citizens. As the ASEAN region continues to evolve, its legislative bodies must be dynamic, responsive, and proactive in addressing challenges that impact sustainable development.
Inclusive growth: A pillar for stability and prosperity
Inclusive growth is essential for sustaining peace and stability within ASEAN. While the region has witnessed remarkable economic progress, disparities in wealth distribution, access to education, and employment opportunities persist. Parliaments must champion policies that empower marginalised communities, enhance social protections, and promote equitable economic participation.
AIPA will continue to facilitate dialogue among its member parliaments on bridging development gaps, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostering an ecosystem that prioritises gender inclusivity and youth empowerment. This commitment aligns with ASEAN’s broader goals of reducing inequality and ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of society.
Digital transformation is another avenue through which inclusive growth can be realised. ASEAN governments and parliaments must collaborate to ensure that digital economies are accessible to all, promoting connectivity and digital literacy to bridge the digital divide. Legislative measures must address the development of digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and access to digital finance, so that all citizens—especially women, youth, and rural communities— can fully participate in economic growth.
Sustainability: A collective ASEAN priority
Climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable resource consumption pose existential threats to our region’s future. The increasing frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events underscores the urgency of collective action. Parliaments must take the lead in enacting policies that strengthen climate resilience, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and promote sustainable development practices.
AIPA, through its platforms, will encourage legislative measures that support ASEAN’s sustainability agenda. These include advancing green finance initiatives, implementing climate-smart agriculture, and ensuring the enforcement of laws that protect natural ecosystems. By mainstreaming sustainability within national policies, ASEAN parliaments can drive meaningful change for future generations.
The adoption of circular economies and green technologies must be prioritised. Legislative frameworks should promote responsible consumption, reduce waste production, and support industries in transitioning to more sustainable practices. Furthermore, promoting cross-border environmental agreements can reinforce regional efforts in tackling environmental challenges collaboratively.
Sustainability and the role of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA and young parliamentarians
The role of young parliamentarians in shaping a sustainable future is more crucial than ever. The Women Parliamentarians of AIPA or WAIPA plays a vital role in ensuring that sustainability policies incorporate gender perspectives, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, social equity, and environmental justice. Women leaders must be at the centre of sustainable policymaking to create inclusive solutions for all communities.
Similarly, the Young Parliamentarians of AIPA or YPA is instrumental in driving youth-led sustainability initiatives. Young leaders are championing digital innovation, green technology, and policies that promote a low-carbon economy. Their fresh perspectives and advocacy efforts will be crucial in ensuring that ASEAN’s future remains both sustainable and forward-thinking.
WAIPA will continue to advocate for gender-responsive climate policies that take into account the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children. Empowering women in leadership roles and sustainable economic ventures will further bolster ASEAN’s ability to build climate-resilient communities.
The YPA network will also be an important driver of youth inclusion in policy discussions on green economies, renewable energy adoption, and technology-driven sustainability solutions. As young leaders, they bring an invaluable perspective to ensuring that sustainability remains a long-term commitment not just a short-term agenda.
Strengthening parliamentary diplomacy for a resilient ASEAN
In an era of geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties, regional cooperation remains crucial. As a key pillar of ASEAN’s institutional framework, AIPA plays a
strategic role in enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding, and reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to multilateralism.
Malaysia’s Chairmanship of AIPA in 2025 aims to strengthen inter-parliamentary collaborations, reinforce legislative harmonisation, and ensure that ASEAN parliaments remain responsive to emerging global challenges. By deepening partnerships with international stakeholders, we can amplify ASEAN’s voice on the world stage and safeguard our shared interests.
Furthermore, through WAIPA and YPA, AIPA seeks to empower under-represented voices in parliamentary diplomacy. The success of parliamentary collaboration will hinge on our ability to embrace diversity, innovation, and strategic foresight.
A call for action
Embarking on this journey under Malaysia’s leadership, I urge all ASEAN parliamentarians to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive growth and sustainability. Our collective strength lies in our unity, our diversity, and our shared vision for a better future. It is an opportune moment for ASEAN to position our parliaments at the forefront of progress, ensuring that the region remains a beacon of stability, prosperity, and resilience.
The success of ASEAN’s future is not just the responsibility of governments alone.
It is a shared endeavour that requires the commitment of all stakeholders, including our legislative institutions. Together, through AIPA, we can build an ASEAN that is not only economically dynamic but also socially just and environmentally sustainable.
As we convene in Kuala Lumpur for AIPA 2025, let this be a moment of renewed purpose and strengthened collaboration. The time for action is now, and our parliaments must lead the way.
By embracing innovative policies, fostering inclusive economic growth, and prioritising sustainable development, ASEAN’s legislative bodies can create a future where progress is balanced, opportunities are equitably shared, and resilience is embedded in our regional identity. Through parliamentary leadership, we will shape a stronger, more unified, and sustainable ASEAN for future generations.
