ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The 57th anniversary celebration of ASEAN (ASEAN Day) was held at ASEAN Headquarters, Jakarta on August 8 2024.
At that moment, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that ASEAN could continue to maintain a ‘culture of peace’.
“In the midst of the current uncertain global situation, which region is relatively more stable?” asked Retno, starting her speech. “Of course the answer is Southeast Asia. ASEAN has played an important role in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in this region,” he continued.
Unfortunately, stories about stability and peace in this region are not often presented.
“We must be grateful to have ASEAN. Growth in the Region remains stable at 4.5%, even greater than global growth. The International Monetary Fund predicts even more significant growth from this Region in the future, considering its important role as a hub world trade and technological innovation,” he said.
However, Retno reminded ASEAN not to be complacent about current achievements. According to Retno, ASEAN needs to maintain three things so that the culture of peace remains in ASEAN’s DNA.
First, ASEAN is in accordance with the objectives of its founding. Retno reminded that the interests of the people must remain ASEAN’s priority. “Therefore, a commitment to advancing and protecting human rights in the region is a necessity,” he said.
He encouraged the strengthening of the ASEAN Human Rights body to be able to respond to various growing challenges, including the issue of increasing human trafficking in the region. He also asked ASEAN not to remain silent regarding serious human rights violations in Palestine which have claimed the lives of more than 40 thousand people.
As an organization based on law, ASEAN must continue to voice the importance of consistently respecting international law and having solidarity to stop the genocide in Palestine and advance the peace process in Ukraine.
Second, ASEAN is able to respond to challenges. Retno underlined the importance of ASEAN being able to adapt in facing future challenges. The ASEAN 2045 Vision, which is currently being prepared, needs to be complemented by an ASEAN Strategic Plan that is oriented towards real action.
This Strategic Plan must be able to help strengthen the architecture of the Region as a center for growth, including by strengthening the architecture of health, food and energy security, financial stability and digital transformation.
Third, achieve a great ASEAN. “Inclusivity and cooperation are the main keys in maintaining regional peace and stability,” said Retno.
Therefore, ASEAN needs to continue to mainstream this paradigm of collaboration and inclusiveness more widely, outside ASEAN, especially through the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific (AOIP).
Last year, during Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) was held. As a follow-up, ASEAN ABAC is currently forming the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Business Network. Apart from that, the 2nd ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) will also be held at the Summit in Laos next October.
ASEAN Day is a celebration of ASEAN’s birthday which is celebrated every August 8. ASEAN was officially founded on August 8 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, through the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by five Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. (AT Network)
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