The celebration of the 49th anniversary of ASEAN is marked with smiles and greetings among all the participants. The opening ceremony has witnessed not only by prominent guests in the diplomatic community but also ASEAN advocates and civic leaders. A powerful message of cooperation and harmony is the very essence of the speech by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh. He recounted the trying and challenging journey of ASEAN in achieving unity in diversity among its member states.
On the same note, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, H.E. Retno Marsudi emphasized in her speech that in order to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 a more action-driven programs that yields concrete outcomes beneficial for the people should be implemented.
The event was continued by a panel discussion on ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons which was hosted by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives (ASEAN CPR). APRN also took this opportunity to encourage 9 students of London School of Public Relations majoring in International Relations to attend this event. The panel discussion highlighted the importance of Human Rights Based Approach to Trafficking in persons, the previous efforts and how we can do better in the future to combat TIP
This celebration was all about ASEAN and it’s community as it showcases the ASEAN culinary traditions along with an exhibition of Batik motif during the Food Festival by the ASEAN Women’s Circle. Other events held included an ASEAN Trivia Booth for visiting students and youth and various performances to celebrate the creativity of ASEAN Community.
