(AseanAll)  — The Philippines co-chaired with ASEAN Chair Malaysia the 20th meeting of the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The Meeting was held from 21 to 23 January 2025 in Kuala Lumpur and was attended by the Eminent Persons and High-level Representatives of ASEAN Member States.

Now in the final stretch of their task, the HLTF-ACV 2045 reported the near completion of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its attendant documents that will define ASEAN regional cooperation for the next 20 years. The attendant documents to be attached  to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045  will consist of  the ASEAN Political-Security Community  Strategic Plan, the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan and the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan. All documents are expected to be issued by the Leaders of ASEAN at their Summit on 26 May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

All four  pillars of the ASEAN Community have reported completion or near completion of their respective strategic plan. Careful consideration has been given to consultation with relevant stakeholders, cross-pillar coordination, and the strengthening of ASEAN institutions to secure a future-ready ASEAN Community.

Among the issues discussed include the assurance of cross-pillar coordination, selection of a more accurate monitoring and evaluation tool, and a communication plan to cascade the Vision to the stakeholders of ASEAN, including vulnerable sectors especially women, children, and persons with disabilities, etc. as well as to clarify instructions and mandates to the  task-holders of the Vision’s  various measures and activities.