In his opening address at the ASEAN Workshop on Sustainable Development (AWSD) 2025 on January 13, he said that partnerships with the U.N. and the alignment of ASEAN Community Vision 2045 with the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are key examples of ASEAN’s leadership.

Member countries must also intensify action across green value chains and decarburization efforts. By leveraging sustainable finance, advancing the blue economy, and enabling business transitions to greener practices, ASEAN can balance growth with environmental stewardship, he stated.

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ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn

He noted that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its accompanying strategic plans are set to be adopted this year and will provide a clear road-map for accelerating sustainable development in the region. For the first time in ASEAN’s history, a 20-year vision, guided by peace, prosperity, and people, will be ratified, aiming at creating a sustainable and equitable future.

Kao also highlighted the significance of shaping inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. With more than 480 million active Internet users, ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030. Finalizing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement this year should unlock up to USD 2 trillion in economic value.

He also called for empowering youth and fostering multilateralism to advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 agenda.

Source: VNA