(Jakarta): Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated that ASEAN is no longer merely a significant player in the region. Today, it has evolved into a global coordinator, and in the future, it may transition from simply responding to global challenges to actively shaping the international order.
Samdech Techo delivered his policy speech at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, on Monday (May 5) to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen noted that the pursuit of power has led some major powers to withdraw from the global governance mechanisms they helped establish after World War II. This shift has caused increasing instability in the international order, particularly weakening multilateral systems based on the rule of law.
Samdech Techo underscored, “In this context, ASEAN plays a vital role in shaping the international order rooted in legal frameworks, democracy, and justice. Looking ahead, ASEAN has the potential to shift from being reactive to global developments to becoming a proactive force in shaping the global landscape.”
Samdech Techo further noted that global institutions including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and especially the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are losing their influence and effectiveness. In light of this, ASEAN can no longer function solely as a regional body but must take an active role in reshaping the global order by focusing on two key strategies including strengthening its internal capacity and enhancing its engagement with influential multilateral institutions.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen added that ASEAN can reinforce itself by improving institutional effectiveness and deepening regional integration. The upcoming adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 at the ASEAN Summit this May marks a significant step forward. The Vision outlines a strategic roadmap across three pillars of enhanced connectivity, aiming to position ASEAN as a fast-growing hub of development in the Indo-Pacific region.
=FRESH NEWS
