11 Sep Inaugural ASEAN Think Tank Summit Launched to Promote Track II Diplomacy
Inaugural ASEAN Think Tank Summit Launched to Promote Track II Diplomacy
JAKARTA, 11 September 2024 – The inaugural ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS) convened from 10 to 11 September 2024 in Jakarta, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s efforts to address emerging geopolitical and economic challenges.
Organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) on behalf of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) — an ASEAN-accredited entity listed in Annex II of the ASEAN Charter — and supported by the ASEAN Secretariat, with funding assistance from the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by GIZ, the ATTS assembled thought leaders and key representatives from ASEAN-focused think tanks and dialogue partners to promote a forward-looking agenda for the region’s future.
The ATTS represents a groundbreaking initiative by the SIIA, aimed at reinvigorating Track II Dialogue. It seeks to synergise efforts across the region, providing a platform to contribute strategic ideas that address ASEAN’s most pressing priorities. These discussions are especially timely as they precede the upcoming 43rd and 44th ASEAN Summits in October 2024, where the recommendations generated at the ATTS will be submitted as a policy memo to ASEAN leaders for consideration.
SIIA Chairman Associate Professor Simon Tay said, “The ATTS is an ambitious effort to chart a course for ASEAN’s future. As a think tank, SIIA aims to gather diverse perspectives and present actionable ideas that reinforce ASEAN’s centrality and connectivity and contribute to the region’s development.”
“By working closely with ASEAN governments and the Secretariat, we aim to ensure ASEAN remains a resilient and dynamic player on the global stage. This involves a renewed focus on deeper integration, enhanced connectivity, and proactive collaboration, all key elements of the much-needed ASEAN Reboot,” added Prof. Tay.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, said in his opening remarks, ‘’I am very optimistic that the discussions and interactions at this inaugural Forum will lead to innovative solutions, enhanced partnerships, and strengthened cooperation among all think tanks, especially those based in the ASEAN region.’’
‘’I envision this ATTS to be a catalyst and a bridge in bringing think tanks of ASEAN and Dialogue Partners together and working closely with ASEAN Member States officials for collaborative and inclusive policymaking, which is significant in building ASEAN’s resilience and constructive in realising the post-2025 vision for ASEAN Community and integration agenda,’’ he added.
At the heart of the ATTS are five key focus areas identified as critical for ASEAN’s progress focusing on connectivity and centrality:
- Enhancing Digital Connectivity: Building a competitive digital ASEAN that can thrive in the global economy.
- Strengthening Energy Connectivity: Promoting cooperation on climate goals to foster a sustainable ASEAN climate community.
- Building Institutional and Political Connectivity: Creating a resilient ASEAN capable of addressing challenges.
- Maintaining ASEAN’s Centrality: Fostering unity and proactively managing regional tensions to keep ASEAN central in global affairs.
- Operationalising ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP): Leveraging synergies between the AOIP and the Indo-Pacific strategies of major powers to rebuild strategic trust and enhance cooperation.
To foster a more inclusive discussion, the ATTS extended invitations beyond ASEAN think tanks to include ASEAN Dialogue Partners. This broader participation reflects a commitment to fostering diverse perspectives, ensuring ASEAN’s future is shaped by a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue. The summit was attended by almost 100 participants from the ASEAN Member States and the external partners, highlighting the extensive regional and international engagement in promoting and facilitating Track II diplomacy and dialogues.
The success of this inaugural summit is expected to pave the way for continued and expanded dialogues in the coming years, reinforcing ASEAN’s capacity to address global challenges. Amid heightened global expectations and growing skepticism, ASEAN must intensify its efforts to strengthen its connectivity and central role in regional affairs and diplomacy.
For more information on the outcomes of the ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS) or to arrange interviews ahead of the 43rd and 44th ASEAN Summit in October, please contact siti.bazilah@siiaonline.org.
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ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967 and constitutes ten Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. On 31 December 2015, the ASEAN Community was formally established. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Find out more on: https://asean.org
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. It supports the German Government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. It is also engaged in education activities around the globe. GIZ assists people and societies in shaping their future and improving their living conditions.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs
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Established in 1962, the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) is a non-profit and independent think tank committed to producing policy analysis, fostering in-depth dialogues and bridging gaps between policymakers, private sector decision-makers and experts to shape public policy and social responses. Centred around ASEAN focused themes, the institute aims to deliver policy analysis in international affairs and on issues driving environmental sustainability.
The SIIA has been consistently ranked as one of the leading think tanks in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, in the Global Go To Think Tank Index by the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2017, the SIIA was ranked the No. 1 independent think tank in Asia. It was also recognised as one of the top 50 think tanks globally, excluding the United States of America. For two consecutive years since 2019, it was recognised as the No. 1 think tank in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific (excluding India). In 2020, it was also recognised as one of the think tanks with the best policy and institutional response to the COVID-19 pandemic.