ASEAN High-Level Task Force on Org’s Post-2025 Vision Concludes Preliminary Work

Members of the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. (Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) photo)

PHNOM PENH, 10 November 2022 - The High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision held its fifth meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 06-07 November 2022. The HLTF finished its preliminary work, focusing on the “Proposed Core Elements of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision”, and “Recommendations on Strengthening ASEAN’s Capacity & Institutional Effectiveness.”

The Meeting, which was attended by Ambassador to Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Eminent Person of the Philippines and Ambassador Luis T. Cruz, PH High-Level Representative, finalized the “Proposed Core Elements of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision”, which will be submitted to the ASEAN Coordinating Council for endorsement to the ASEAN Summit. 

The proposed core elements will include (1) “a Political-Security Community that is guided by ASEAN fundamental principles, shared values and norms, and international law;” (2) an economic community that “shall be a future-ready single ASEAN economy, anchored on sustainable growth, empowered by advanced technologies, and responsive to emerging opportunities;” (3) a socio-cultural community that “will build and promote a resilient, inclusive, relevant and sustainable ASEAN to ensure the full potential and improve the quality of life for the peoples of ASEAN;” and (4) an “ASEAN Connectivity agenda shall promote people-centered and people-oriented approaches, sustainable development, regional integration, and future-oriented policies.”

The Meeting also finalized its paper on “Recommendations Paper on Strengthening ASEAN’s Capacity and Institutional Effectiveness,” which includes sections on strengthening ASEAN decision-making process; strengthening ASEAN institutions and organs; enhancing ASEAN-led mechanisms; and funding, among others. This will entail streamlining the work of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, enhancing the role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN, expanding support for the ASEAN Secretariat, and coordination of cross-pillar and cross-sectoral issues.  

The Core Elements of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision and Recommendations on Strengthening ASEAN’s Capacity & Institutional Effectiveness will be tabled at the 31st ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting, which will then give their mandate for the HLTF to proceed with the drafting of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision blueprints next year, in consultation with the various stakeholders of ASEAN.

The HLTV-ACV Post 2025 was established by the ASEAN Coordinating Council to plan and develop the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision and its attendant documents, and reflect the future development and aspirations of ASEAN towards an integrated, peaceful, and stable community. END