THE Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, a key document guiding the next 20 years of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, was unveiled here on Monday, following its endorsement by ASEAN leaders gathered at the 46th ASEAN Summit.

In his remarks following the signing ceremony of the declaration, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the document would pave the way for the grouping’s future direction, taking into account emerging challenges while putting sustainable and inclusive development at the forefront.

“The future we seek must rest on foundations of sustainability and inclusion. ASEAN’s integration must be genuinely people-centred. That means closing development gaps, raising standards of living and in vesting in the human spirit and potential of all our citizens,” he said.

“This shared blueprint gives shape to that belief. It is a vision anchored in realism, animated by resolve and made possible by trust,” he added.

Among the key decisions made under the declaration is the formal adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045 and its accompanying strategic plans across four pillars, namely political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity.

Meanwhile, the grouping’s Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn told a press briefing ahead of the summit that the ACV 2045 is meant to serve as pragmatic 20-year strategic roadmap to guide the region’s development amid global uncertainties.

“These four strategic plans are designed to guide ASEAN on how to prioritize its work while upholding unity, solidarity, and ASEAN centrality,” he said, adding that the roadmap also recognizes the need to work closely with external partners, including dialogue, sectoral, and global partners.

Xinhua

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar