Ambassador Buensuceso (middle) explains the thematic priorities of the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017 during a focus discussion with Andalas State University students and scholars in Padang, Indonesia on 4 December 2016

Amb. Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN, gave a lecture on ASEAN, its mechanisms, principles and processes during a focus discussion with scholars and students of Andalas State University in Padang, Indonesia on 4 December 2016 . She also discussed the thematic priorities of the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017.

Andalas University is one of the premier institutions of higher learning in Indonesia. With a student population of more than 25,000, it boasts of several faculties including those on international relations, law and political science, where most of the participants to the discussion group came from.

In her presentation, Ambassador Buensuceso explained the principles that govern ASEAN, its history, its various accomplishments and mechanisms.  She also highlighted the goals and commemorative activities being planned during the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017, which also coincides with the 50^th anniversary of ASEAN, revolving around the theme of “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World” and the six thematic priorities, namely, people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, peace and stability in the region, maritime security and cooperation, inclusive and innovation-led growth, ASEAN’s resiliency, and ASEAN: A model of regionalism, a global player.

She also emphasized that ASEAN has played a significant role in the maintenance of peace and stability in the region, the visa-free movement of ASEAN nationals in all ASEAN Member States, the rapid increase of intra-ASEAN trade because of zero tariffs in almost all goods and services, and the growing number of professionals working in other ASEAN Member States because of mutual recognition agreements.

She stressed that ASEAN will continue to be a major player in the international community, describing ASEAN’s leadership in various mechanisms like the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Plus Three (APT), the ASEAN+1 Summits and Post-Ministerial Conferences (PMCs) with Dialogue Partners and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

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