ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia. It was established on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Subsequently, Brunei joined in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997 and Cambodia in 1999.

ASEAN aims to accelerate economic growth and promote cultural and social progress, as well as maintain regional peace and stability through adherence to the rule of law. To this end, its member countries hold annual meetings known as the ASEAN Summit in which heads of government discuss regional issues and conduct meetings with other countries to foster ASEAN’s external relations.

One of ASEAN’s most remarkable achievements was its coordination of disaster relief efforts in the wake of the Asian tsunami in 2004. Its Committee on Disaster Management coordinated quick response efforts by member countries and successfully directed these efforts in the early stages of the crisis.

ASEAN also provides an effective forum for the discussion of transnational issues. By bringing member countries together on issues like transnational terrorism and the environment, ASEAN serves as an arena where countries can debate regional problems and attempt to reach mutually beneficial solutions. By allowing countries to share experiences and insights on issues ranging from education to healthcare to gender issues, ASEAN hopes to unite the region in its quest for development and progress.

The history and culture of ASEAN are perhaps best shown in the multitude of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which the region is home to. The historic city of Ayutthaya in Thailand, the Kissing Rocks of Halong Bay in Vietnam, the Borobudur temple compounds in Indonesia and the Baroque churches of the Philippines are just a sampling of the rich and diverse sights which visitors will experience in the region. ASEAN is home to countries with a marvelously diverse range of histories and traditions. Each member nation brings its own unique past, whether flavored by British, Dutch or Spanish colonial influence; Buddhist, Christian or Muslim faiths; homogenous societies that have stayed intact for thousands of years or multiethnic nations barely formed in the 20th century, the region is truly one of a thousand colors and stories.