ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn delivered his message on the ASEAN 56th Anniversary Celebration in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. He stated that the ASEAN region serves as a typical home for all populations of member countries. This objective is reflected within the theme “Strengthening Cooperation to Maintain ASEAN’s Relevance in Responding to Regional and Global Challenges.” “Under Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN this year, the ASEAN community strives to maintain economic development and prosperity for the benefit of all citizens who consider this region as their common home,” he mentioned during his speech on the occasion of ASEAN’s 56th anniversary on Tuesday, August 8. 2023.
He further emphasized that the center of the ASEAN regional integration process is the ASEAN people. He explained that ASEAN’s success is measured by its efforts to support the tangible and concrete development of the ASEAN community, benefiting the lives of its residents. “Ultimately, it is the people who will ensure the continuity of the ASEAN community. I therefore invite all ASEAN citizens from all walks of life to join us in celebrating our 56th anniversary,” he said.
Going forward, Kim Houm also called on all sections of society to collectively contribute to the belief of the ASEAN community. “Moreover, I call on all of us to contribute to the collective effort to realize a peaceful, prosperous, dynamic and resilient ASEAN community – rules-based, people-oriented and centered, a source of happiness and a futuristic prospect from its origins.” – he said. Meanwhile, he continued, ASEAN’s achievements can’t be realized without strong commitment and determination from ASEAN member countries. “More effective cooperation is needed on regional integration and the Indonesia-led ASEAN community development process within ASEAN this year,” he added.
