Sustainable development is essential for ASEAN: Vietnam PM

THE HANOI TIMES — At the 46th ASEAN Summit, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh set out three strategic pillars to guide ASEAN’s development through 2045, emphasizing inclusiveness, innovation, and sustainability as essential values for regional cooperation.

At the event held in Kuala Lumpur on May 26, Chinh urged ASEAN to rethink development models, with a focus on a green economy, an inclusive society, and smart governance.

To drive this transformation, Chinh encouraged ASEAN to mobilize public and private resources to support digital transformation, science and technology development, and innovation. This approach should lead to impactful regional initiatives that benefit ASEAN and attract active engagement from global partners.

The second pillar emphasized expanding ASEAN’s external partnerships and diversifying supply chains. He welcomed recent ASEAN – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN – GCC – China summits and encouraged replicating these with blocs such as MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance.

The Prime Minister stressed that ASEAN should continue to use its collective voice to champion free, fair, and inclusive trade and to uphold multilateralism. In this context, he expressed strong support for Timor-Leste’s early admission as a full ASEAN member, describing it as a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN Community.

The third pillar focused on maintaining ASEAN’s centrality and strategic autonomy in a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape. The Vietnamese PM said that ASEAN must uphold its central role through concrete actions. This includes maintaining independent decision-making, enhancing internal consensus, and improving the bloc’s capacity to respond to external challenges.

Addressing the growing threat of transnational crime, he announced Vietnam’s proposal for an ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation in the Apprehension of Fugitives. He called on member states to support this as a practical step toward deepening regional security and legal cooperation.

At the 46th ASEAN Summit, PM Chinh emphasized the bloc’s commitment to unity, resilience, and adherence to international law in the face of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

In his speech, Prime Minister Chinh underscored the significance of solidarity and mutual support as foundational principles of ASEAN.

He acknowledged the collective efforts of the member states to address regional challenges, including those resulting from natural disasters such as Typhoon Yagi. He said ASEAN remains a center of economic growth and a key player in regional integration and connectivity.

Regarding the regional issues, he reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and the rule of law in the South China Sea. Emphasizing the importance of respecting international law, he called for the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and cooperation, including the adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

PM Chinh also highlighted the importance of fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and swiftly concluding a substantive and effective Code of Conduct.

On the sidelines of the summit, he he met with students, emphasizing the critical role of youth in shaping ASEAN’s future. He encouraged them to embrace innovation, uphold ASEAN’s values, and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions to ASEAN’s development, Prime Minister Chinh was named “Prominent ASEAN Leader 2025” by the KSI Strategic Institute at the ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum (ALPF). The award acknowledges his efforts to promote unity, resilience, and innovation within the ASEAN community.

PM Chinh’s ideas at the summit demonstrated Vietnam’s commitment to a united, resilient, and forward-looking ASEAN. His strategic vision and emphasis on core ASEAN values provide a roadmap for the bloc’s continued growth and integration in an increasingly complex global environment.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to ASEAN and its long-term goals. He expressed confidence that the 10-member bloc can overcome challenges and emerge stronger. Vietnam remains a proactive, responsible, and constructive member, ready to work with fellow nations to build a community that is “more united, resilient, proactive, inclusive, and sustainable.”

Chinh’s proposals closely align with the summit’s theme “Inclusive and Sustainable,” which reinforce Vietnam’s active role in shaping ASEAN’s strategic agenda.