Jakarta (VNA) – Representatives of Vietnam attended the inaugural ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS), which was convened at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 10.
As a breakthrough initiative by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), the event marked a pivotal moment in the region's efforts to address emerging geopolitical and economic challenges.
Hosted by the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) Network, with support from the ASEAN Secretariat and the German development agency (GIZ) of the German Federal Foreign Office, the event brought together representatives from expert advisory groups of strategic research institutions of ASEAN and its dialogue partners to promote regional efforts, providing a platform for contributing strategic ideas to address the bloc's most pressing priorities.
In his opening remarks, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasised that discussions and interactions at this forum would help produce innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships, and cooperation among all expert groups.
The summit will serve as a bridge for expert groups of ASEAN and its dialogue partners to collaborate closely, and connect with officials from ASEAN member states in shaping inclusive and cooperative policies, he said.
Participants focused their discussion on five key areas deemed crucial for ASEAN's progress which emphasise connectivity and centrality, including strengthening digital connectivity, energy connectivity, building institutional and political connectivity.
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) is a member of the ASEAN-ISIS Network. According to Trinh Minh Manh, Deputy Director of the DAV’s Institute for Strategic Studies, Vietnam has made initiatives to contribute to the network's joint activities, and to protect Vietnam's interests and viewpoints on relevant issues.
The success of this first summit will pave the way for expanded dialogues in the coming years, strengthening ASEAN's capacity to address global challenges. Recommendations at the event will be submitted to ASEAN leaders for consideration at the ASEAN Summit in October this year./.
