ASEAN Leaders Pledge Unity To Ensure Thriving Community
GENERAL
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ASEAN Community, pledging to continue working together in maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability, as well as further development and growth in the region.
This commitment aims to ensure that the ASEAN Community continues to thrive and remains adaptive and responsive to the impacts and inherent opportunities of existing and future megatrends, according to the declaration, which was adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit yesterday.
The declaration, shared with the media today, noted that the leaders also agreed to strengthen efforts in upholding ASEAN centrality, as well as maintaining an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient and rules-based regional architecture that respects international law, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and broaden cooperation with ASEAN's external partners and to explore cooperation with other interested parties.
This includes through substantive, practical and tangible cooperation on the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through ASEAN-led mechanisms.
According to the declaration, ASEAN leaders will also strive to ensure the region's continued progress by reinforcing adherence to ASEAN's shared principles and commitments, strengthening institutional mechanisms, enhancing cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination, and proactively responding to challenges and opportunities
They decided to redouble their efforts to further enhance ASEAN Connectivity, including to advance the ASEAN Power Grid, energy interconnection and multilateral power trade, and narrow development gaps through inclusive, participatory, and equitable access to economic and socio-cultural opportunities.
ASEAN leaders also agreed to foster a stronger ASEAN identity and promote greater people-to-people connectivity through education, cultural exchanges and social cooperation.
They are committed to further ensuring the quality of life and well-being of ASEAN peoples, leaving no one behind, by strengthening social protection, enhancing health and nutrition, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and advancing quality education and skills development for a future-ready ASEAN workforce.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
13 minutes ago
- Barnama
Johor Eases Uniform Rules For Islamic School Students Amid Hot Weather
BATU PAHAT, June 22 (Bernama) -- In view of the current hot weather, the Johor government has eased the dress code for students at Islamic religious schools to ensure their comfort throughout learning sessions. Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said there were no issues regarding the implementation, as the state government had authorised the District Islamic Education Office (PPID) to determine the appropriate attire. He said similar measures had been implemented before and could be reintroduced when necessary.
Barnama
28 minutes ago
- Barnama
As War Halts Dreams, Palestinian Youth Champion Education For freedom
By Nur Elysa Amirah Suhaimi and Nur Atiq Maisara Suhaimi KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- Palestinian youth are harnessing education as a powerful medium to raise global awareness about their struggle for freedom from Israel's occupation and atrocities. A representative from the General Union of Palestinian Students - Malaysia Branch (GUPS), Dr Mohammed R.M Salem, said the quest for knowledge has become a form of empowerment for young Palestinians, many of whom have had their dreams disrupted by war. bootstrap slideshow 'We seek peace, prosperity, and the right to live – not violence or expansion. This reflects the difference between a nation that strives to live and progress, and one that seeks power by oppressing others. 'We will continue with our cause today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes until Palestine is free,' he told Bernama at the 'More Than A War, It's Genocide' forum held at the National Art Gallery here. The forum was the highlight of the two-day 'The World Unites for Palestine' campaign organised by Year Three students from the Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The campaign aimed to raise awareness, promote cultural exchange and support the well-being of Palestinians living in Malaysia. Despite facing decades of adversity, Palestinians remain among the most literate populations in the world. According to data, as of Jan 31, 2025, literacy rate in Palestine was 96 per cent – slightly lower than the 97.8 per cent recorded in 2022.
Barnama
28 minutes ago
- Barnama
KESUMA Approves RM1.5 Million For Northern Zone PHEKS
BUTTERWORTH, June 22 (Bernama) -- The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) has approved 124 applications for the Union Affairs Development Grant (PHEKS), amounting to RM1.5 million, for the Northern Zone, covering Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said this included 26 approved applications worth RM261,988 in Penang; 21 applications worth RM384,670 in Kedah; 15 applications valued at RM211,569 in Perlis; and 52 applications in Perak involving RM656,722. 'Overall, a total of 1,049 PHEKS applications were received this year from various trade unions nationwide, of which 551 applications amounting to RM7.15 million were approved,' he said. 'I hope this allocation will be put to good use to strengthen our unions,' he said at the Northern Zone PHEKS 2025 assistance presentation ceremony here today, which was also attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. This year, the government allocated RM10 million for the implementation of PHEKS, the highest in history, compared with RM5.8 million last year. A total of RM7.15 million was distributed to trade unions under approved clusters, while RM2.85 million was allocated for the outreach and community service programmes. Sim added that his ministry is targeting two million union members nationwide by the end of this year. He expressed confidence in reaching the target, noting that the number of new trade unions formed last year was five times higher than in previous years. He said the MADANI Worker Card initiative has also helped boost trade union membership, which currently stands at one million, by offering discounts of up to 30 per cent at over 200 companies providing essential goods and services to registered members. The PHEKS is a one-off financial aid provided to registered trade unions in Malaysia through the Department of Trade Union Affairs (JHEKS) under the KESUMA to support union-related activities.
