Hanoi: The Prime Minister delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum (AFF), emphasizing the need for ASEAN to work together to become more united, inclusive, and resilient in the face of emerging threats and challenges.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, addressed the forum via video, highlighting the increasingly multipolar and fragmented world that ASEAN operates in today. She noted that the region faces major changes, including geopolitical conflicts, sophisticated transnational crimes, economic recession, technological disruption, pollution, and environmental degradation. She commended Vietnam for organizing the forum with a theme pertinent to discussions on ASEAN's future.
Since its inception 57 years ago, ASEAN has evolved into a model of regionalism and multilateralism, adapting to changing global security and strategic environments. However, amidst global uncertainty, ASEAN must unite to face emerging threats and challenges effectively. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of a united ASEAN to navigate rapidly changing global geopolitics and ensure the safety and well-being of its peoples.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of an inclusive ASEAN that promotes equal access to opportunities through partnerships across sectors. This approach aims to foster collaborations between governments, businesses, and peoples, while also engaging external partners for the benefit of the region.
Additionally, the Prime Minister underscored the need for a resilient ASEAN to respond to emerging challenges and achieve sustainable growth. She urged ASEAN to seize opportunities for transformational change, focusing on economic integration, digital transformation, green transformation, and climate change mitigation.
Thailand, as conveyed by the Prime Minister, is committed to contributing to the development of a more inclusive and resilient ASEAN Community. She expressed confidence that through collective efforts, ASEAN can overcome challenges and create a better future for its people, wishing the AFF success.
The 2nd ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) convened under the theme 'Building a United, Inclusive and Resilient ASEAN amidst Global Transformations,' aimed at achieving the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, addressing future challenges, and enhancing cooperation with ASEAN as the focal point.