ASEAN backs nuclear-free Southeast Asia

CEBU, Philippines — ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Southeast Asia as a nuclear weapon-free zone through the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty and called for stronger engagement with nuclear-weapon states to advance global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

The leaders also reiterated their commitment to regional peace, security, and cooperation during the recently concluded 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, highlighting efforts to strengthen maritime collaboration, combat transnational crimes, and uphold international law.

In the Chair’s Statement issued at the close of the summit, member states underscored the importance of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), which marks its 50th anniversary this year, as a key foundation for peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN leaders also welcomed the growing interest of non-regional countries in acceding to the treaty.

The bloc further emphasized the importance of maritime stability and adopted the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation to strengthen regional dialogue, coordination, and maritime law enforcement cooperation.

Leaders welcomed Cambodia’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and noted plans to establish the ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines.

The summit also highlighted ASEAN’s intensified efforts against transnational crimes, including human trafficking, cybercrime, online scams, violent extremism, and illegal drugs.

Leaders welcomed initiatives aimed at improving regional coordination, victim protection, and law enforcement cooperation.

ASEAN member states likewise reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a Drug-Free ASEAN and recognized the continued role of regional mechanisms in combating illicit drugs and strengthening public awareness.

On defense and security, ASEAN leaders welcomed developments under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, which marked the 20th anniversary of regional defense cooperation this year.

The leaders also cited ongoing initiatives promoting human rights, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and legal cooperation, including the implementation of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Work Plan 2026–2030 and the signing of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition in Manila last year.

ASEAN further commended regional efforts in mine action, legal assistance, and peace education as part of broader initiatives to maintain stability, strengthen the rule of law, and support sustainable development across the region.

ASEAN leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive development, health security, climate action, and youth empowerment during discussions on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Member states emphasized the importance of strengthening social protection, promoting gender equality, supporting vulnerable sectors, and building resilient communities amid changing demographic, environmental, and technological challenges.

Leaders highlighted the need to improve healthcare systems and regional preparedness against pandemics and public health emergencies through stronger cooperation and the planned operationalization of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

ASEAN also underscored the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in healthcare, education, governance, media, and youth development, while stressing the importance of digital literacy, online safety, and responsible technology use.

The summit adopted the ASEAN Declaration on the Empowerment of Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience aimed at strengthening youth participation in climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and community resilience programs.

ASEAN leaders likewise reaffirmed commitments to climate action, biodiversity conservation, haze pollution control, and sustainable development, including efforts to operationalize the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change in Brunei and strengthen regional cooperation against transboundary haze pollution.

The leaders also emphasized the importance of inclusive education, protection of migrant workers, gender-responsive policies, disability inclusion, and the expansion of decent work opportunities amid rapid digitalization and the green economic transition.

Regional cooperation on women’s empowerment, labor rights, rural development, and social welfare was likewise highlighted as ASEAN works toward achieving the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

ASEAN also welcomed plans to establish the ASEAN Cultural Center in the Philippines to promote cultural exchange and strengthen regional identity through arts and creative industries.

The summit further reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to disaster resilience and humanitarian response, including continued support for humanitarian assistance efforts in Myanmar through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

Leaders also emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking, stronger data systems, and cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across the region. (CEBU NEWS)