ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN
ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the 50thAnniversary of ASEAN8 August 2017
1.The 50thAnniversary of ASEANis a historic occasion thathighlights oursuccess in building an ASEAN Community that is rules-based, people-oriented, and people-centered.
2.As we celebrate this milestone, we recall the aspirations of the 1967 ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration)to promote regional cooperationand contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region.
3.We reaffirmthat theaims, principles and purposesof the 1967 ASEAN Declaration, which have been enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, have guided ASEAN through five decades of peace and stability, economic integration, socio-cultural cooperation, political cooperationand people-to-people exchanges.
4.Aswe moveforwardtogether,we will intensifyour efforts to realize the goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025under our theme of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”We reaffirm our commitment to the effective, efficient and timely implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, the Master Plan onASEAN Connectivity2025 and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plan III. We underline the complementarities of thesecommunity building efforts with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, whichwillhelp us meetour obligations and responsibilities in the global world order, including the realization of the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals.
5.We reaffirm our commitment to the maintenance and promotion of peace, security, and stability, including the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
6.We will comprehensivelyaddress cross-sectoral concerns, including non-traditional security issuesand transnational challenges, such as illicit drugtrafficking, trafficking-in-persons, terrorism, and violent extremism; as well asother transboundary challenges such as disaster management,emerging infectiousdiseasesand maritime-relatedissues.We will further strengthen our efforts to address key regionaland global challengesin collaboration with the international community.
7.We will continue our initiatives to provide greater opportunities for our peoplesand to narrow the development gaps in ASEAN. We will fosterthe ASEAN Economic Community towards its vision of an economy that is highly integrated,cohesive,competitive, innovative,dynamic,more resilient and inclusive, with enhanced connectivityand integrationwith the global economy. ASEAN values the benefits of opening and strengthening economic ties that have promoted economic growth across Southeast Asia. Further, we will support entrepreneurship andthe role of science, technology, andinnovationas our industries and enterprises, particularly MSMEs,integrate into the global value chains. We will implementour commitments under the multilateral trading system and in various free trade arrangements.
8.We recognize that our peoples are the greatestresource and asset of our region andwe are committed to uplift theirquality of life.We will promote people-to-people exchanges.We will consolidateour socio-cultural initiatives and opportunities to collectively deliver and fully realize human developmentand sustainable development. We willcontinue topromote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, equitable access to opportunities and poverty eradication. We will support the empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
9.We underscorethe importance of the environment and its contribution to social development, economic growth, disaster resilience, and ecosystem services at the national, regional, and global levels. We will continue to conserve, protect, and sustainably use ASEAN’s richterrestrial and marinebiodiversity,as well as address climate changeand other trans-boundary environmental issues
10.We shall uphold ASEAN Centrality in engaging our Dialogue Partners and other external parties, especially in the evolving regional architecture. We will intensify our cooperation with our Dialogue Partners and other external partiesin addressing shared concerns.
11.We will continue to strengthen ASEAN, its institutions and mechanisms, including the ASEAN Secretariat. We will further promote the relevance and awareness of ASEAN at the national, regional and international levels. As a model of regionalism, we are determined to further develop ASEAN’s capacity to fulfill its commitments and responsibilities as a major global player.
12.We look to the next 50 years and beyond,confident in our ability to build on our past achievements and address future challenges effectively as one ASEAN Community.
