Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, endorsed by regional leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit, introduces a comprehensive and forward-thinking roadmap centered on regional integration and development for the next two decades.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Vision underscores ASEAN's aim to evolve into a prosperous single market, driven by a highly-skilled, innovation-focused, and inclusive workforce. It emphasizes a peaceful, stable, and secure region, fostering a cohesive and inclusive community that respects diversity, promotes human rights, and upholds social justice.
The FAQs on ASEAN 2045, released today, indicate that the people of ASEAN are anticipated to gain from increased employment opportunities, quality jobs, and the mobility of skilled labor and talents. This is envisaged within a thriving regional economic ecosystem built on science, technology, and innovation. The Vision also underscores the importance of a secure digital space and growth driven by the green and blue economy.
The document outlines improved intra-ASEAN connectivity, easier travel and business processes, the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions, and access to resilient healthcare systems. It ensures equitable access to opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and children, enabling their active participation in decision-making processes.
For ASEAN's external partners, ACV 2045 presents strategic cooperation opportunities with a dynamic and resilient regional bloc committed to peace, stability, and sustainable development. It offers avenues for collaboration on global challenges like climate change, non-traditional security threats, and economic governance. External stakeholders can benefit from enhanced trade, investment, and innovation partnerships, deeper defense and security engagements, and the sharing of best practices in regional integration.
The Vision reaffirms ASEAN's role as a credible and united voice in global affairs, especially under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Southeast Asian leaders have adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Through this Declaration, ASEAN leaders adopted the ACV 2045 and all its associated Strategic Plans. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the timely and effective implementation of the Vision through coordinated efforts by relevant ASEAN Organs and Bodies.
The leaders encouraged support and contributions from external stakeholders in realizing the Vision. They also mandated ASEAN Ministers and the ASEAN Secretariat to mobilize resources from within and outside the region. Additionally, the leaders agreed to intensify efforts to strengthen ASEAN's institutional capacity and effectiveness, including reinforcing the role of the ASEAN Secretariat in supporting implementation and coordination across sectors and pillars. The ASEAN secretary-general was tasked with monitoring and annually reporting on the progress of ACV 2045's implementation through the ASEAN Coordinating Council and respective Community Councils.