Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future has been unveiled as a vision to guide the region's trajectory over the next twenty years, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. As ASEAN navigates the changing global geopolitical environment, there is a pressing need to bolster regional resilience and address internal challenges in the spirit of unity, he emphasized.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid highlighted ASEAN's emergence as the fourth-largest economic force globally. This strength, however, must be reinforced through economic initiatives that transcend national boundaries, positioning ASEAN as a cohesive and stable regional bloc. He stressed the importance of resolving internal issues some countries face with a shared sense of unity.
Ahmad Zahid further elaborated on the significance of focusing on ASEAN's youth, with a population of 680 million. He advocated for new education policies and ecosystems that accommodate the openness of labor systems across ASEAN countries, emphasizing the importance of nurturing Gen Z and Gen Alpha as future assets of the region.
He also called for the adoption of a multipolar world system, arguing it offers a more equitable and balanced approach compared to the increasingly irrelevant unipolar model. This shift, he noted, is crucial for maintaining ASEAN's stability and security for future generations.
Addressing Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair this year, Ahmad Zahid highlighted ongoing efforts to address the Myanmar crisis, facilitated by discussions between the Malaysian Prime Minister and Myanmar's junta leadership. He expressed optimism that Malaysia's leadership will aid in finding a resolution.
The Kuala Lumpur Declaration 2045 underscores ASEAN member states' commitment to the ASEAN Charter, international law, and the United Nations Charter. The 46th ASEAN Summit, hosted by Malaysia under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', provides a platform for member states to deliberate on regional issues and chart the bloc's future path.