The inaugural ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS) took place in Jakarta on 10 September, marking a key moment within the region’s efforts to handle emerging geopolitical and economic challenges. Organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) on behalf of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) – an ASEAN-accredited entity listed in Annex II of the ASEAN Charter – and supported by the ASEAN Secretariat, with financial support from the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by GIZ, the ATTS brought together thought leaders and key representatives of ASEAN-focused think tanks and dialogue partners to advertise a forward-looking agenda for the region’s future.
ATTS is a groundbreaking SIIA initiative that goals to revitalize the Track II dialogue. It seeks to synergize efforts across the region by providing a platform for contributing strategic ideas that address ASEAN’s most pressing priorities. These discussions are particularly timely as they arrive ahead of the upcoming 43rdand 44t ASEAN Summits in October 2024, where the recommendations developed shall be presented to ASEAN leaders in the shape of a Policy Note for consideration.
President of SIIA Associate Professor Simon Tay said: “ATTS is an ambitious effort to chart a course for the future of ASEAN. As a think tank, SIIA aims to bring together diverse perspectives and present actionable ideas that will strengthen ASEAN’s centrality and connectivity and contribute to the development of the region.”
“Working closely with ASEAN governments and the Secretariat, we aim to ensure that ASEAN remains a resilient and dynamic player on the global stage. This involves a renewed focus on deeper integration, increased connectivity and proactive cooperation, which are key elements of ASEAN’s much-needed relaunch,” added Prof. Tay.
ASEAN Secretary General, Doctor Kao Kim Hournsaid in his opening speech, “I am very optimistic that the discussions and interactions at this inaugural Forum will lead to innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships and enhance cooperation among all think tanks, especially those in the ASEAN region.”
“I envision ATTS to be a catalyst and a bridge connecting ASEAN think tanks and dialogue partners, and working closely with ASEAN member state officials to drive collaborative and inclusive policymaking, which is essential for building ASEAN resilience and constructively advancing the ASEAN community’s vision and post-2025 integration agenda,” he added.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn also stated that ASEAN has seized the momentum and opportunity to advertise trade liberalization and open regionalism, promoting intra-regional economic integration, while also embedding itself more deeply in the worldwide economy. Seizing this strategic momentum, ASEAN has emerged as a driving force in shaping a multilateral security architecture that promotes cooperative and comprehensive security, fostering dialogue and cooperation not only amongst member states but additionally with relevant major powers near and much to handle each conventional and non-conventional security challenges. Through an in depth network of ASEAN-led mechanisms—including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Plus Three (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus)—ASEAN has established itself as a central player in regional dialogue and diplomacy, peace and security, and consultation and cooperation.
ATTS is underpinned by five key focus areas, identified as critical to ASEAN’s progress, specializing in connectivity and centrality:
- Improving digital connectivity: Building a competitive digital ASEAN that may achieve the worldwide economy.
- Strengthening energy connectivity: Promoting cooperation on climate goals to support a sustainable ASEAN climate community.
- Building institutional and political connections: Building a resilient ASEAN that may face challenges.
- Maintaining ASEAN’s central position: Fostering unity and proactively managing regional tensions to take care of ASEAN’s central role in global affairs.
- Implementing the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Perspective (AOIP): Leveraging synergies between the AOIP and the Indo-Pacific strategies of major powers to rebuild strategic trust and strengthen cooperation.
To foster more inclusive discussion, ATTS expanded invitations beyond ASEAN think tanks to incorporate ASEAN Dialogue Partners. This broader participation reflects a commitment to promoting diverse perspectives, ensuring that ASEAN’s future is formed by comprehensive and inclusive dialogue. The two-day summit was attended by nearly 100 participants from ASEAN member states and external partners, underscoring the broad regional and international commitment to promoting and facilitating Track II diplomacy and dialogues.
It was hoped that the success of this inaugural summit would pave the way in which for continued and expanded dialogues within the years to come back, strengthening ASEAN’s ability to handle global challenges. In the face of heightened global expectations and growing scepticism, ASEAN must intensify its efforts to strengthen its connectivity and central role in regional affairs and diplomacy.
