May 15, 2023 | UCLG ASPAC, host of the ASEAN Mayors Forum (AMF), the local government entity associated with ASEAN, attended the 7th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN event, organised in person at the ASEAN Secretariat (Jakarta, Indonesia). The event aimed to strengthen direct engagement between entities and the ASEAN Secretariat and stimulate collaboration, and deepen partnership, aligned with the Indonesian Chairmanship theme, ASEAN Matters, Epicentrum of Growth.
Mr. Tran Duc Binh, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, in his opening speech, emphasised the crucial role of the ASEAN Entities. He mentioned that support from the entities might result in positive changes for the people in the region and advance ASEAN’s agenda for sustainable development.
At the event, a roundtable discussion on “Charting a Sustainable Future for ASEAN” was arranged and highlighted sustainability concepts and strategy in ASEAN, where participants shared their perspectives about SDGs and their practices through interactive games. There were also roundtable discussions on managing ASEAN Cooperation Projects (ACPs), fund disbursements, and reporting. The entities had the chance to learn how to use the available resources for their projects and processes throughout the ASEAN project cycle.
Finally, there was an interface session with the newly appointed Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, led by Mr. Lee Yoong Yoong, Director of the Community Affairs Directorate, ASEAN Secretariat. The Secretary-General encouraged collaboration among entities to advance ASEAN development and bring solutions and benefits from governments to stakeholders at the grassroots level.
The event was supported by the Deutsche Gesselschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) ASEAN Project.
