Interviews

Women in ASEAN in the Era of Digitalisation: Facing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

The celebration of Women’s Month this year resonated deeply with the priorities and commitments of ASEAN to forge ahead with gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. In the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to ASEAN, we celebrated Women’s Month by citing that parity has been achieved with 50 per cent of current membership now being women.

50 Years of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation

Minister I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati talks to The ASEAN about the regional frameworks and plans that embody ASEAN’s strategies for empowering and improving the well-being of women and girls in the region. She also talks about why Indonesia is encouraging countries to adopt the Women- and Children-Friendly City initiative.

India assumed the presidency of the G20 in December 2022 and is set to host the G20 Summit in 2023 after year-long deliberations on macroeconomic issues and inter-alia trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, and climate change. Spearheading the G20 at a time when the world looks at a sustained exit from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, India sees this as an opportunity as well as a responsibility. During its presidency, India aims to leverage the wide and balanced representation of both developed and developing countries that is unique to the G20 for securing global and regional equitable and sustainable growth.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn began his five year-term as Secretary-General of ASEAN on 1 January 2023. He served two terms as Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (2003-2013) and two terms as Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister of Cambodia (2013-2022). He is the author of dozens of books and articles on Cambodia and ASEAN. Dr. Kao established The University of Cambodia in 2003 to provide quality education to disadvantaged youth. He served as the university’s president until he stepped down in October 2022. 

Dr. Kao recently sat down for an interview with The ASEAN magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and the ASEAN Secretariat’s Corporate Affairs Director to discuss the region’s most significant challenges and his priorities for the next five years. Dr. Kao also shared his views on how the youth can be more engaged in shaping their future and building a stronger and more resilient ASEAN community.

Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn tells The ASEAN about the goals of ASEAN in the field of sports and the changes and challenges brought about by COVID-19. He also discussed how ASEAN Member States can promote inclusiveness in sports and support their top-ranked and world-class athletes.