NAYPYIDAW: ASEAN will steer itself into the future by fulfilling its commitment to a people-oriented and people-centred agenda.
A declaration adopted by the 10 member states at the 25th Asean Summit here reiterated the regional bloc’s pledge to develop the Asean Community Vision beyond its implementation next year for the benefit of the people.
“(Asean is) determined to shape a bold and forward-looking future for Asean, which will boost the Asean Community and enable the realisation of a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible, truly people-oriented, people-centred and rules-based Asean,” said the Naypyidaw Declaration on the Asean Community’s Post-2015 Vision, which was adopted by the heads of governments, following their plenary session.
The declaration reiterates the commitment of member states at past Asean Summits to become a community bounded by “One Vision, One Identity and One Community”, as well as the commitment to people-centred initiatives.
The declaration tasked the Asean Coordinating Council with overseeing the development of the Asean Community’s Post-2015 Vision.
The council will work towards ensuring that the three Asean Community pillars — political security, economy and social community — are implemented from 2016 to 2025.
Malaysia, which will helm Asean next year, has received plaudits for its proposal to set up a “People-Centred Asean”.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said, on Wednesday, that the theme was crucial for the grouping.
He said everything done by the member countries must be accepted by their peoples.
Najib had proposed a mid-term review during the 10-year Post-2015 Vision.
The review is aimed at accommodating rapid changes and ensuring that the theme remained relevant.
The 18-nation East Asia Summit (EAS), comprising Asean countries, China, India, the United States, Russia and Australia, among other nations, has agreed to tackle traditional and non-traditional issues that posed a challenge to the region’s peace and stability.
EAS said efforts were being undertaken to promote economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and boost regional integration to improve people-to-people contact.
EAS was attended by leaders such as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, US President Barack Obama, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.