Question

What are the main highlights of ASEAN Vision-2020?

Hint:

To remember the core of ASEAN's vision, think of the "three C's": Community, Cooperation, and Competitiveness. The three pillars (Security, Economic, Socio-Cultural) are the framework for achieving this.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the key elements of the ASEAN Vision 2020. This was a long-term vision document adopted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997, outlining the group's goals for the future.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
ASEAN Vision 2020 aimed to create a stable, prosperous, and highly competitive ASEAN region with equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities. The main highlights were articulated through the establishment of an ASEAN Community, which rests on three foundational pillars:


ASEAN Security Community (ASC): This pillar aims to ensure that countries in the region live at peace with one another and with the world in a just, democratic, and harmonious environment. It focuses on political and security cooperation to handle security challenges, promote norms of non-interference, and resolve disputes peacefully.

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): The goal of the AEC is to create a single market and production base. This involves the free flow of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labour within the region. It seeks to make ASEAN a more dynamic and competitive economic bloc.

ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC): This pillar aims to foster a sense of common identity and build a caring and sharing society. It focuses on cooperation in areas like education, culture, public health, environmental protection, and poverty reduction to enhance the well-being and quality of life of the people of ASEAN.

The vision also emphasized an "outward-looking" role for ASEAN, encouraging it to play a pivotal role in the international community.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The primary highlights of ASEAN Vision 2020 are the creation of a cohesive ASEAN Community by 2020, structured around the three pillars of security, economic integration, and socio-cultural development.