Kuala Lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur Declaration and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (ACV 2045), signed and adopted by ASEAN leaders today, signify a pivotal moment for the regional bloc as it embarks on a long-term strategic planning approach crucial for navigating global uncertainties, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn announced.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration and ACV 2045 collectively mark the first-ever 20-year vision adopted by ASEAN leaders, titled "ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future." This represents a significant shift from previous frameworks, which were shorter-term in nature.
Dr. Kao highlighted Malaysia's instrumental role in the process, noting that the country has been a co-chair from the beginning and has shown leadership throughout. He remarked that the long-term vision is timely, considering the global disruptions caused by political and security dynamics, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the escalating climate crisis. He commended Malaysia's chairmanship as both dynamic and strategic, embodying the theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.'
Dr. Kao emphasized that the ACV 2045, supported by four strategic plans, will guide ASEAN's priorities over the next two decades, reinforcing the bloc's commitment to transparency, openness, and inclusivity. He described the declaration as a new chapter for ASEAN, driven by Malaysia's efforts.
Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Dr. Oh Ei Sun, expressed that ACV 2045 introduces 17 new elements reflecting ASEAN's evolving socio-economic landscape. These elements include themes of sustainable development, such as the green economy and blue economy, as well as addressing challenges related to an ageing population and empowering women and youths. Dr. Oh stated that these elements are vital for shaping a more inclusive and forward-looking ASEAN.
Dr. Oh also noted that the declaration coincides with the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and is expected to assess past achievements while enhancing economic integration. He pointed out that reducing non-tariff barriers and improving the free movement of people within ASEAN remain challenges that need addressing.
Dr. Oh further mentioned that declarations like the Kuala Lumpur Declaration often balance ambitious goals with consensus on geopolitical issues, such as the South China Sea. He emphasized the importance of ASEAN maintaining peace and stability amid global tensions and ensuring its centrality in regional affairs.
Danial Rahman, CEO of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), highlighted the importance of inclusion as a key goal in the new vision. He stressed that genuine resilience requires not excluding the marginalized, and that ASEAN should serve all its people, not just the elite. Under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration reflects ASEAN's determination to tackle significant regional challenges, including the climate crisis and digital inclusion.
Danial noted that Southeast Asia could lose up to three percent of its GDP annually due to climate-related disasters, with one in five people expected to be over 60 by 2045, and 60 percent lacking reliable internet access. The Kuala Lumpur Declaration outlines six major documents, including strategic plans for each ASEAN pillar: Political-Security, Economic, Socio-cultural, and Connectivity, setting out 33 strategic goals and 531 concrete measures.