ASEAN'S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

AFTER ITS FOUNDING IN 1967, THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN) COMMITTED ITSELF TO PEACEFUL, STABLE, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION, BUT SUSTAINABILITY WAS NOT ADDED TO THE ORGANISATION'S AGENDA UNTIL YEARS LATER.

Livelihoods in the region depend heavily on agriculture, natural resources and forestry. But many are threatened by rising temperatures, declining rainfall and rising sea levels.

The organisation itself has acknowledged that natural disasters such as heat waves, droughts, floods and tropical cyclones are increasing in intensity and frequency, due in no small part to past policies that prioritised economic development but paid little attention to environmental pollution. Sustainable development is therefore the only way forward for the countries of Southeast Asia.

The 2015 ASEAN Charter states that ASEAN is committed to ensuring sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations and to safeguarding the livelihood and well-being of its people. The ASEAN Community Vision 2025 also emphasises that the region will focus on environmental protection, climate change adaptation and response, and green technologies and development for the present and the future.