PETALING JAYA, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- ASEAN must strengthen its global leadership on sustainability to further advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 agenda which is expected to be finalised during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn said that partnerships with the United Nations (UN) and the alignment of ASEAN Community Vision 2045 with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are key examples of ASEAN’s leadership.
"(Member countries) must also intensify action across green value chains and decarbonisation efforts. By leveraging sustainable finance, advancing the blue economy, and enabling business transitions to greener practices, ASEAN can balance growth with environmental stewardship," he said.
Kao said this in his opening address at the ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Development (AWSD) 2025 at Sunway University here, today.
He noted that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its accompanying strategic plans are set to be adopted this year and will provide a clear roadmap for accelerating sustainable development in the region.
"For the first time in ASEAN’s history, we will adopt a 20-year vision, an initiative that has been in progress for some time.
"The vision, guided by three principles -- peace, prosperity, and people -- aims to create a sustainable and equitable future," he said.
He added that peace provides the foundation for stability; prosperity incorporates social inclusion and environmental sustainability; and people remain at the heart of sustainable development.
Kao also highlighted the importance of shaping inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
"With over 480 million active Internet users, ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to reach US$1.0 trillion (US$1=RM4.51) by 2030. Finalising the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement this year should unlock up to US$2.0 trillion in economic value.”
He further stressed that investment in human capital is also critical, with education and skills development remaining key priorities.
In addition, Kao called for empowering youth and fostering multilateralism to advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 agenda.
-- BERNAMA
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