Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, poised for adoption by regional leaders, is set to become a bold yet pragmatic 20-year strategic roadmap aimed at guiding the region’s development amidst global uncertainties, stated ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new vision underscores ASEAN’s commitment to long-term resilience, inclusivity, and sustained cooperation with external partners. Dr Kao reflected on the evolution since the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, adopted under Malaysia’s leadership, marking its 10th anniversary this year and paving the way for a more ambitious 20-year vision.
The ACV 2045 is structured around four strategic plans encompassing the Political-Security Community, Economic Community, Socio-Cultural Community, and ASEAN Connectivity. Dr Kao highlighted that these plans are not merely theoretical but serve as a guide for ASEAN to prioritize its efforts while maintaining unity, solidarity, and ASEAN centrality. The roadmap also emphasizes collaboration with external partners, including dialogue, sectoral, and global partners.
Dr Kao elaborated on the Vision’s responsiveness to global megatrends, aiming to provide a realistic and strategic approach over the next two decades. The document addresses geopolitical shifts, digitalization, demographic changes, climate risks, and other pressing issues, offering ASEAN a clear path forward.
Highlighting ASEAN’s growing engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, Dr Kao pointed to the upcoming ASEAN-GCC-China Summit as a platform for greater economic cooperation. The trilateral framework is viewed as an opportunity to capitalize on shared interests and unlock mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.
He remarked on the potential for enhanced cooperation with the GCC, noting that the inclusion of China in the framework opens new avenues for synergy and collaboration. Dr Kao emphasized ASEAN’s proactive approach in exploring future possibilities for partnership.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan commented on the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 as the start of a collective endeavor, reaffirming a commitment to a secure, peaceful, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN. He described the Vision as a transformative ambition to create a resilient, innovative, and people-oriented community.
Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, will host the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit, and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.