Asean celebration

ASEAN 50th, Celebration of Regional Cooperation in Southeast Asia Countries

Delegates of ASEAN Member States celebrated the 50 Secretariat in Jakarta on 11 August 2017.

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Commemoration at ASEAN’s

“WHEN it was established five decades ago, on 8 August 1967, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, many doubted that in a region so diverse and embroiled in hostilities and intra-mural tensions raging at the peak of the Cold War, ASEAN would survive.” Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN, recalled the situation from which the organization formed its origin.

The solid commitment has then made ASEAN embrace ten countries to join the regional collaboration; and on 11 August 2017, they commemorated the jubilee.

President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo; Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi; Former Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Hassan Wirajuda and Marty Natalegawa; Minister of Malaysia, Dato Sri Anifah Aman; Former SecretariesGeneral of ASEAN, Tan Sri Ajit Sing and Ong Keng Yong; and Governor of Jakarta who is also Co-President of UCLG ASPAC, Djarot Saiful were among the attendees gracing the golden celebration.

In this opportunity, President Joko Widodo acknowledged ASEAN’s role in establishing a peaceful ecosystem, stability, and prosperity. He also reminded

us that as a regional organization, ASEAN needs to remain relevant for the peoples within this region. ASEAN needs to focus its efforts to give benefits to small and medium enterprises, farmers, fishermen, and informal sectors.

The celebration also demonstrated the culture and arts of ASEAN countries through cultural and musical performances by various artists. In addition, there were also exhibitions and culinary festivals enjoyed by all attendees.

For half of century, ASEAN has seen challenges and opportunities faced by countries in Southeast Asia. For within the period of time, ASEAN has also supported its members in various ways. ASEAN is not without flaw, but as President Joko Widodo said, “together with ASEAN, Indonesia progresses.

Together with Indonesia, ASEAN is strong.”

UCLG ASPAC has established close cooperation with local governments in Southeast Asia. Conducting capacity building on local economic development, peer-to-peer learning activities on sustainable development, and providing platform for mayors and governors in Southeast Asia through ASEAN Mayors Forum, are only some of various activities of UCLG ASPAC for strengthening the ASEAN Community. The most recent ASEAN Mayors Forum was held in Taguig City, Philippines, where the local leaders expressed their hopes and eagerness for closer ties between the ASEAN and local authorities. Expecting more fruitful collaboration, UCLG ASPAC wishes happy 50th anniversary to the only regional organization in Southeast Asia.

Photo: ASEAN Secretariat