In relation to the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN Secretariat has invited various organization to the first Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, that was held last 4 May 2017 at ASEAN Secretariat. APRN was represented by Ms. Gesille Buot Managing Director of APRN, Ms. Yuliana Prasetyawati, MM APRN Director for Research, Head of Centre for ASEAN PR Studies and Ms. Candy Hernandez, APRN Deputy Director for Publication.
The Forum was part of the effort to strengthen engagement between ASEAN, ASEAN Centers and its associated entities. It was a one-day event, supported by the German Government and each entity that was invited had a maximum of three representatives.
Dr. AKP Mochtan, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs Department, highlighted the importance of enhancing ASEAN engagement with its people. He called for entities to “work closely together to build an inclusive ASEAN community.” In light of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary this year, DSG Mochtan encouraged all entities to participate in the commemorative activities and to explore possible collaborations to celebrate the golden anniversary.
At the forum, participants were briefed on the goals of the three community pillars and how they can contribute in realizing the ASEAN Vision 2025. They also learned about the privileges and obligations of entities associated with ASEAN, such as the use of ASEAN name, anthem and logo. Further, they discussed how to access third-party funding mechanism managed by the ASEAN Secretariat and its project management cycle. During the forum, entities shared their aspiration for ASEAN to further enhance engagement with the grassroots level to fully realize a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN. They also shared their views and suggestions for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.