A Framework Agreement forCooperation (FAC) between the Association of Southeast Asia Nations(ASEAN) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was signed inJakarta, Indonesia on December 4.
The signatories included ASEANSecretary-General Le Luong Minh and UNICEF Regional Director for EastAsia and the Pacific Daniel Toole.
The FAC sets an actionprogramme for the next five years and beyond with a view to pursue thesurvival, sustainable growth, full development and participation ofchildren.
The goal is also in line with the Convention on theRights of the Child, the Millennium Declaration and the MillenniumDevelopment Goals, as well as the global post-2015 development agenda.
Speakingat the signing ceremony, Minh encouraged the UNICEF Regional Office forEast Asia and the Pacific to work closely with related ASEAN bodies,especially its Secretariat, on a concrete action plans to realise theFAC goals.
Minh also stressed the importance of a sustainableapproach to ASEAN-UNICEF cooperation through the pursuance of amulti-year programme and the mobilisation of stable funding resources toimplement joint activities.
For his part, Daniel Toolereaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to working with ASEAN on the promotion ofchildren's rights, saying that the implementation of the FAC willsupport the newly adopted ASEAN-UN Work Plan for 2015 as well as otherframework agreements signed between ASEAN and other UN agencies,contributing to the drafting of another plan for the beyond-2015 period.
TheASEAN-UNICEF FAC is the second framework agreement that ASEAN hasconcluded with an UN agency after the entry into force of the ASEANCharter in 2008. Earlier, ASEAN signed a FAC with the United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in December2013.-VNA
See more
Korea-Indonesia Business Council set up to facilitate win-win cooperation
Korean investments in Indonesia totalled 15.4 billion USD as of late 2023, proving that Indonesia is not only a destination for investment, but also a strategic partner in long-term, sustainable growth.
Malaysia develops sustainable semiconductor ecosystem
BSIF I will target investments in companies within and adjacent to the semiconductor value chain, including high-tech manufacturing and automation.
Indonesia urges regions to apply smoke-free area policy actively
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has urged regional governments nationwide to move actively in implementing the smoke-free area policy to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
Indonesia plans task force to combat sale of counterfeit goods
The minister said that the report has prompted the Ministry of MSMEs to move toward the formation of a task force for the protection and empowerment of MSMEs in Indonesia, adding that the planned task force would be empowered to take action against those involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods.
Thailand's new digital arrival cards to help track criminals
Travellers must apply at least three days before the date of their planned arrival in Thailand. Applications will be accepted on the TDAC website starting on April 28 for people arriving on May 1.
Thailand tightens control over mobile subscriptions to curb cybercrime
Prasert said the mobile phone numbers had been registered since January 1, 2022. About 700,000 mobile phone numbers registered to foreigners in Thailand together with about 1.8 million mobile phone numbers that had not been registered to anyone will be checked.
Argentine press highlights Vietnam’s economic achievements since national reunification
Once among the poorest nations in the world, Vietnam has now become one of the most remarkable examples of economic transformation in the 21st century, reported ABC Mundial.
Spanish news site praises Vietnam’s historic victory
Spanish news site praises Vietnam’s historic victory
Japanese public hails PM Ishiba’s visit to Vietnam
Major outlets provided detailed reports on the visit, with particular emphasis on the two PMs’ shared commitment to upholding the international order and promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based trading system.
Indonesia strengthens cybersecurity cooperation to combat human trafficking
The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) is working with several state institutions equipped with cyber surveillance capabilities to protect citizens from human trafficking syndicates.
Thailand continues to support earthquake victims in Myanmar
Its mission is to step up surveillance of communicable diseases and improve shelter and water management systems in quake-affected areas.
National consensus is Vietnam’s core, most sustainable source of strength: French scholar
Emphasising the role of national unity in achieving this historic victory, Eric Coudray, history teacher in Annecy, Indochina war expert and doctor of contemporary history at Paul-Valéry University Montpellier, highlighted the importance of reconciliation and national harmony in Vietnam's development.
Singapore negotiates for US concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips
Singapore is subject to a 10% tariff from the US. The country has previously warned of instability in its trade-dependent economy, along with heightened risks of recession and job losses. Singapore has lowered its 2025 GDP growth forecast to between 0% and 2%, following a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter contraction in the first quarter.
Malaysia highlights roles of ASEAN, BRICS in regional cooperation
Malaysia officially became a BRICS partner country on January 1, 2025
Philippines raises alert level after Mt. Bulusan erupts
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Bulusan’s alert status from 0 to 1 on its five-level scale, signalling low-level volcanic unrest and warning of possible phreatic eruptions.
Veteran Cambodian journalist shares honour to join Vietnam’s reunification anniversary celebration
In recent years, Vietnam's economy has developed rapidly and gained a lot of breakthroughs, with capable leaders and Party members being promoted to important positions, helping the country progress. He emphasised that the country has chosen a right path.
Japanese press: Prime Minister Ishiba eyes stronger ties with Southeast Asian partners
During his visit to Vietnam, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru toured a local industrial park where many Japanese companies operate and expressed his intention to take all possible measures to address the impact of US tariffs on Japanese companies operating overseas.
Thailand affirms its position as Asia’s leading ice cream exporter
Thailand has solidified its position as Asia’s top ice cream exporter and currently ranks fourth globally, leveraging its abundant resources and the benefits of free trade agreements.
Int’l organisations lower Indonesia’s 2025 economic growth forecast
Several international organisations on April revised their economic growth forecasts for Indonesia, reflecting concerns over escalating global trade tensions and domestic fiscal challenges.
Canal Caribe highlights Vietnam’s historic victory
Reporter Wilmer Rodríguez Fernández noted that the city, named after the late Vietnamese leader, was filled with joy and pride on this historic occasion.
