VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The ASEAN Secretariat hosted the 4th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN. This annual forum provides a platform for ASEAN accredited Entities to bolster further cooperation with ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN sectoral bodies, and ASEAN related centers.

About 150 participants representing ASEAN parliamentarians, judiciaries, youth, civil societies, women, and business and professional associations attended this year's forum virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his welcome remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi encouraged the entities to explore collaboration with one another as it would assist the early realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

"On its part, the ASEAN Secretariat, as always, will work with you, the Entities and stakeholders, to further strengthen the ASEAN image and brand," he said.

Vietnam's Permanent Representative to ASEAN Ambassador Tran Duc Binh, in his role as Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (ASEAN CPR), shared his appreciation for Entities' contributions to raise ASEAN awareness and foster community building.

''I hope this 4th Entities Forum will provide a platform to explore further cooperation,'' he concluded.

The Forum starts off with an overview of the COVID-19 impact in ASEAN and ASEAN's responses to date, in particular, how ASEAN Member States are working closely together for a post-pandemic recovery framework.

The participants were introduced to the current mid-term review exercises conducted under the ASEAN Community Blueprints.

This was followed by breakout sessions where participants shared their on-the-ground views on the progress of ASEAN Vision 2025 and possible areas for improvement.

As COVID-19 continues to hit the region and worldwide, the ASEAN Entities acknowledged that the journey to recovery requires closer cooperation between various partners and stakeholders.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Michael Tene concluded the forum calling upon ASEAN and its entities to work closer together in achieving ASEAN Vision 2025.

''I look forward to seeing more initiatives from associated Entities to contribute to our efforts in ensuring a peaceful, resilient and prosperous region,'' he remarked.

There are 75 Entities associated with ASEAN, which are listed in Annex 2 of the ASEAN Charter. They are categorized into parliamentarians and judiciary, business organizations, think tank and academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

The German Government supported this Forum through the GIZ cooperation project. (VOI)