Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Philippine Permanent Representative  to ASEAN, participated in a lecture of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) at the Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand on 6 March 2019 to raise awareness about ASEAN to stakeholders.

In her presentation before more than 300 students of Mae Fah Luang University, Ambassador Buensuceso discussed ASEAN’s contribution to regional peace, stability and development. through its leadership and convening power in various ASEAN-led mechanisms and platforms, including  the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Plus Three (APT) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). 

She also explained that ASEAN continues to engage with its Dialogue Partners, including major powers, in various mechanisms like the ASEAN leaders’ summits, ministerial meetings and senior officials’ meetings with dialogue partners. She emphasized that ASEAN has a solid partnership with all its dialogue partners, namely, Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.

Ambassador Buensuceso also discussed the work of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR), including various initiatives related to the involvement of women in peace processes in the region.

Responding to a comment on ASEAN’s relevance, she opined that ASEAN’s main contribution is perhaps the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Established in 1998, Mae Fah Luang University is one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand. It currently offers 73 academic programs to more than 15,000 students, including at least 500 international students from 20 countries.

END