ASEAN launches three initiatives to boost inclusiveness, sustainability

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (KUNA) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) launched on Friday three new initiatives aimed at promoting inclusiveness and sustainability in its member states during the preparatory meetings for the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28.
This came during Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohammad Hassan's speech in the official launch ceremony of ASEAN's initiatives on inclusiveness and sustainability, during which he stressed that these initiatives constitute the "legacy of Malaysia's 2025 presidency and will serve the association and its member states in the future." Hassan pointed out that the three initiatives include establishing a Center of Excellence for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Green Transformation, issuing a report entitled "ASEAN in the Future: The Science, Technology and Innovation System to 2035 and Beyond," in addition to launching the book "ASEAN 2025: Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." He added that each of these initiatives, in its own way, prepares ASEAN for a changing world, noting that these projects reflect the Malaysian vision aimed at consolidating the values of inclusiveness and sustainability and making it the focus of the region's economic and social progress.
Hassan noted that the Centre of Excellence will enable small and medium enterprises across ASEAN countries to obtain the necessary training and education to transform into green and sustainable business models, stressing that enabling this group to participate in the green economy means protecting livelihoods and preparing for a low-carbon future.
As for the third initiative, the book (ASEAN 2025: Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Future), the Malaysian Minister said that it brings together more than 30 articles by intellectuals and experts from the countries of the region covering topics of geopolitics, sustainability, trade, economics and technology, describing this book as "an intellectual reflection and a lasting legacy for the future of the Association." The three initiatives are part of Malaysia's efforts, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to consolidate the principles of inclusiveness and sustainability amid the geopolitical, environmental, and technological challenges facing the region. They also reflect its efforts to make the association a model of regional cooperation based on innovation and shared responsibility. (end) aab.bb