Article 16 of the ASEAN Charter envisions a working engagement between ASEAN and its associated entities. The ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), specifically the Community Relations Division (CRD), is mandated to monitor the status of entities and levels of engagement of each entity associated with ASEAN and facilitate the accreditation process of entities seeking association. In executing its mandate, CRD views that more effort is needed to raise the entities’ level of awareness about ASEAN, especially as ASEAN celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2017.
The 1st Forum of Associated Entities was therefore convened in the office of ASEC Jakarta (4 May 2017) to brief the Entities on their potential contributions in implementing ASEAN Vision 2025, their privileges and obligations as associated entities, and plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.
A total of 153 participants representing 55 entities associated with ASEAN, entities seeking accreditation with ASEAN, an ASEAN-related centres took part in the Forum. Other participants included the Permanent Representatives (PRs) of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and members of the CPRs from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. Other notable participants included the First Secretary (ASEAN Affairs) of Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and representatives from the GIZ cooperation program. The Community Affairs Directorate and relevant officers from the ASEAN Secretariat were also present.
During the Forum, participants were introduced to one another to strengthen the relations and to build further networking amongst ASEAN entities/related agencies. Participants were also informed about the three pillars of ASEAN: Political Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community amd how they can contribute in implementing the Blueprint 2025.
Further, the awareness of participants on their privileged and obligations as entities associated with ASEAN were also raised. The Speakers from ASEC highlighted the areas of responsibilities and the meant to be an ASEAN associated entity. Various views and insights were exchanged during the Q&A session.
Participants were also briefed the preparation of 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the use of anniversary’s logo within the entities. The regional commemorative activities to celebrate the ASEAN’s Golden Jubillee will include; (a) Tribute to Founding Fathers; (b) ASEAN Youth Social Entrepreneurship Awards; and (c) ASEAN Heroes of Biodiversity.
At the end of the Forum, participants also agreed to exhange the publications, updates, news, and information to widen the networks and deepen the partnership as a way forward.