Question

Mention the main pillars of ASEAN community and their objectives.

Hint:

Remember: ASEAN’s three pillars (APSC, AEC, ASCC) represent peace, prosperity, and people – the foundation of regional cooperation.

Answer 1

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization formed in 1967 to promote cooperation, peace, and development among Southeast Asian countries. Over the years, ASEAN has grown into a community with well-defined pillars to strengthen integration and achieve common objectives.
The Three Main Pillars of the ASEAN Community:
1. ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC):
- Ensures peace, stability, and security in the region.
- Promotes political cooperation, conflict resolution, and protection from external threats.
- Encourages member states to resolve disputes peacefully and respect international law.
2. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC):
- Aims to create a single market and production base.
- Facilitates free flow of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and capital across member states.
- Promotes equitable economic development, competitiveness, and integration with the global economy.
3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC):
- Focuses on improving the quality of life of people in the region.
- Promotes cooperation in education, health, environment, disaster management, and cultural exchange.
- Aims to build a people-oriented, socially responsible ASEAN community.
Objectives of ASEAN:
- To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
- To maintain peace and stability in the region.
- To promote mutual assistance in training, research, and education.
- To foster regional identity and close collaboration among member states.
Conclusion:
Thus, the ASEAN community rests on three main pillars – Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural – which together aim to build a peaceful, prosperous, and people-centered Southeast Asia.