NEWS

At the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, regional leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred ASEAN. Under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, the Summit marked a turning point with the adoption of landmark declarations on peace, development, and environmental rights—charting a transformative path toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

As the regional knowledge hub dedicated to promoting sustainable development, the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) supports ASEAN’s new rights agenda through its work on inclusive dialogue, youth empowerment, and cross-sectoral collaboration across the region.

🕊️ Peace and Development

ASEAN Member States formally adopted the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to Development and the Right to Peace, recognizing that peace and development are interdependent human rights fundamental to a stable and prosperous region. The declaration reaffirms ASEAN’s collective responsibility to remove barriers to essential services, empower vulnerable groups, and ensure equitable participation in regional growth.

ASEAN welcomed Timor-Leste to attend the ASEAN Summit as a full member and discussed directions for strengthening the ASEAN Community in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Furthermore, ASEAN discussed the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to tackle regional and international issues, such as the South China Sea and reconciliation in Myanmar.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet jointly endorsed the declaration, witnessed by the U.S. President and Malaysia’s Prime Minister—underscoring ASEAN’s renewed spirit of partnership in advancing peace and prosperity.

Reflecting this vision, ACSDSD continues to advance initiatives that bridge policy dialogue and community engagement, amplifying grassroots peacebuilding and youth-led reconciliation efforts across ASEAN.

🌏 Clean Air as a Human Right

At the 26th ASEAN–Republic of Korea Summit, ASEAN leaders—joined by President Lee Jae-myung—affirmed their commitment to environmental rights through the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment. This milestone underscores the region’s determination to integrate environmental protection and human rights, particularly through joint action on climate change, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control.

This declaration signifies more than a political milestone; it reflects ASEAN’s evolving recognition that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable pillars of sustainable development.

Thailand, as ASEAN’s Coordinator on Sustainable Development Cooperation, highlighted the Clean Air for Sustainable ASEAN Initiative as a vehicle for technology transfer, research collaboration, and inclusive community-based solutions.

In this shared vision, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) plays a pivotal role. Its work on environmental rights bridges the human rights agenda with climate action, advancing a regional understanding that safeguarding clean air and healthy ecosystems is essential to achieving inclusive development and social justice.

In this context, ACSDSD stands ready to facilitate partnerships and knowledge-sharing that empower affected communities and ensure that every ASEAN citizen can enjoy the right to clean air and a healthy environment.

♻️ Circular Growth and Inclusive Prosperity

Discussions at the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit reinforced the importance of circular economy models and MSME empowerment in driving inclusive economic recovery. The Summit also welcomed progress on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) with the Republic of Korea, aimed at supporting digital innovation and sustainable growth.

Through its advocacy and research platforms, ACSDSD promotes responsible business practices, youth innovation, and circular economy solutions that turn sustainability commitments into tangible community impact.

🤝 Moving Forward Together

The 47th ASEAN Summit marked a pivotal step in realizing ASEAN’s vision for a resilient and sustainable future. By aligning regional declarations on peace, development, and environmental rights, ASEAN is reaffirming its people-first approach to growth.

ACSDSD remains committed to transforming these commitments into collective action—through knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and inclusive engagement that uplifts communities and strengthens regional cooperation.

Together, we are advancing toward a resilient, equitable, and sustainable ASEAN 2045.

Source:

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/press-brieding-201025?cate=674059168d902f116b4a9a52

https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/6.-ASEAN-DECLARATION-ON-PROMOTING-THE-RIGHT.pdf

https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Final-Chairmans-Statement-of-the-20th-EAS-on-Inclusivity-and-Sustainability.pdf

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Written by Pakjira Numchaisombut

 

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📚 Featured Publications & Research

• 📘 ACESP Publication Archive: Click here
• 📊 ASEAN SDG Indicators Progress Report 2025: Click here
• 🔬 ACSDSD’s Contribution to Regional Sustainability Research (CMMU & MFA): Grant Criteria

🌟 Major Events in 2025

• ♻️ ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF 2025): Click here
• 👥 ASEAN Youth Camp for Sustainable Development 2025: Click here
• 🌐 ASEAN Acceleration: Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Sustainability (Formerly 9th HLBD): Explore
• 🔗 Fostering Synergy across ASEAN: ACSDSD Spotlight

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📘 ASEAN Complementarities Focus Areas

          ASEAN Complementarities Initiatives     

              Infrastructure and Connectivity            

                         Poverty Eradication                       

         Sustainable Consumption & Production   

          Resilience against climate change             

Sustainable Management of Natural Resource

 

 

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