ASEAN leaders adopt Kuala Lumpur Declaration to guide next 20 years

The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, unveiled at the 46th ASEAN Summit, outlines a 20-year strategic roadmap to guide the future of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Endorsed by ASEAN leaders, the declaration emphasizes sustainable and inclusive development, with a vision of closing development gaps and fostering people-centered growth. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the document as a realistic and trust-based blueprint for ASEAN’s future. Central to the declaration is the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, which is built around four key pillars: political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity. The plan addresses major global challenges such as geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, demographic change, and climate risks. It also promotes using local currencies in cross-border trade, enhancing disaster risk financing, and integrating sustainability into economic growth. The vision aims to position ASEAN as a major global economic player—potentially the fourth largest economy by 2045—driven by innovation, skilled labor, and strong governance. Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair in 2025, is hosting the summit under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

Credit : CGTN