36th Coordinating Council Meeting launched with vision for a resilient, inclusive future

By SHAUQI WAHAB

FOREIGN Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (picture) opened the 36th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting today with a strong call for regional unity, digital readiness, and inclusive growth as ASEAN transitions from its current development framework into a more future-focused agenda.

Held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit, the meeting serves as a crucial preparatory step for regional leaders.

It also marks an opportunity to assess the progress made under the “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together” blueprint and to shape the future direction under the upcoming “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future” vision.

“This meeting offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the progress that ASEAN has achieved across our grouping’s three pillars,” he said in his opening speech of the ACC Meeting.

The three pillars are the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars of the bloc.

He outlined several priorities on the meeting’s agenda, including a review of commitments made at the previous summit in Vientiane, Laos, consideration of reports from ASEAN bodies, and an assessment of Timor-Leste’s progress toward full membership.

Mohamad also stressed that ASEAN 2045 envisions a community that is resilient, inclusive, innovative, dynamic and people-centred, adding that Malaysia’s current chairmanship will place a strong emphasis on scientific and technological advancement.

In particular, he mentioned the importance of digital transformation, including emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

“Rapid advancements in digital technology, particularly in AI and quantum computing, have profound implications on how we move forward, as a region and a community,” he explained.

The need for ASEAN to seize digital opportunities to drive economic growth, social progress, and regional security is of the utmost importance.

Mohamad also highlighted the importance of equitable development, ensuring that no one is left behind as ASEAN prepares the region to meet future challenges with resilience and foresight.

He concluded by reinforcing ASEAN’s legacy of unity and cooperation amid global fragmentation.

“ASEAN must continue its rally, with purpose and in unity, to emerge stronger in the face of a turbulent world, characterised by fragmentation and uncertainty,” he said.