Study Notes on the Structure of ASEAN

THE STRUCTURE OF ASEAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • The ASEAN Summit

  • ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC)

  • ASEAN Community Councils

    • ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC)

    • ASEAN Economic Community Council (AEC)

    • ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC)

  • ASEAN Sectoral and Ministerial Bodies

  • Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR)

  • ASEAN National Secretariats

  • ASEAN Committee in Third Countries and International Organizations

THE ASEAN SUMMIT

  • The ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body within ASEAN.

  • Comprises the Heads of State or Government from ASEAN Member States.

  • Regular practice includes holding meetings twice annually.

  • Timing of these meetings is determined by the Chair of the ASEAN Summit after consultation with other Member States.

  • Meetings are hosted by the ASEAN Member State holding the ASEAN Chairmanship.

  • Historical note: The First ASEAN Summit occurred in Bali, Indonesia, on 23-24 February 1976.

ASEAN COORDINATING COUNCIL (ACC)

  • The ACC is responsible for the preparation of the ASEAN Summit.

  • It coordinates the implementation of agreements and decisions made during the ASEAN Summit.

  • The ACC reports on the activities of the ASEAN Community Council to the ASEAN Summit.

  • Additional functions may be assigned to the ACC by the ASEAN Summit.

  • Guided by the ASEAN Charter and the Rules of Procedure for the ASEAN Coordinating Council, adopted during the 5th Meeting on 22 October 2009 in Cha-am, Hua Hin, Thailand.

  • Tasks include overseeing the development and implementation of documents mandated by ASEAN Leaders.

  • These documents require cross-pillar input and concurrence from the three ASEAN Community Councils (APSC, AEC, ASCC) before being submitted for endorsement at the ASEAN Summit.

ASEAN COMMUNITY COUNCILS

  • These councils are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of policies across three pillars of the ASEAN Community:

    • ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC)

    • ASEAN Economic Community Council (AEC)

    • ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC)

ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL (APSC)

  • Enhances political and security cooperation among ASEAN member states.

  • Addresses issues such as conflict resolution, human rights, and transnational crime.

  • Implements initiatives related to defense and foreign policy.

  • Aims to ensure a peaceful environment within Southeast Asia.

  • Established to promote peace, stability, and political cooperation in the region.

ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY COUNCIL (AEC)

  • Facilitates economic integration, trade liberalization, and investment promotion.

  • Works to reduce trade barriers and harmonize standards among member states.

  • Enhances economic connectivity within the region.

  • Implements policies related to the free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor within ASEAN.

  • AEC’s purpose is to create a single market and production base to enhance competitiveness and achieve economic integration in the region.

ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (ASCC)

  • Focuses on issues such as education, environment, health, and social welfare.

  • Aims to improve quality of life, promote human development, and enhance social protection across ASEAN.

  • Works on initiatives to strengthen the ASEAN identity and community spirit.

  • Established to build a people-centric and socially responsible community promoting sustainable development and shared values.

ASEAN SECTORAL AND MINISTERIAL BODIES

  • Composed of specialized groups within ASEAN, consisting of ministers and secretaries from member countries.

  • Focuses on specific sectors such as finance, health, education, and agriculture.

  • Works under the guidance of ASEAN Community Councils to implement policies, programs, and initiatives across different areas.

Specific Sectoral and Ministerial Meetings

  • ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)

  • ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM)

  • ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting (ADMM)

  • ASEAN Ministerial on Transnational Crime

  • ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

  • ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

  • ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD)

  • ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environmental issues (AMME)

  • ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED)

  • ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM)

  • ASEAN Finance Ministers and Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM)

  • ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Ministers’ Meeting (AMAF)

COMMITTEE OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES (CPR)

  • Each ASEAN member state appoints a Permanent Representative, usually an ambassador or senior diplomat.

  • The chairmanship of the CPR rotates yearly among member states.

  • The CPR enhances ASEAN's coherence and effectiveness.

  • Plays a crucial role in ensuring that ASEAN's objectives are met and that member states collaborate on regional issues.

ASEAN NATIONAL SECRETARIATS

  • Comprised of government officials from various ministries, reflecting the multi-sectoral nature of ASEAN.

  • Facilitates communication and information flow among member states.

  • Coordinates national efforts related to ASEAN policies and initiatives.

  • Helps implement ASEAN agreements and decisions at the domestic level.

  • Serves as a liaison between the ASEAN Secretariat and the government of the member state.

  • Vital for fostering regional integration and cooperation.

ASEAN COMMITTEE IN THIRD COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • Consists of ambassadors or diplomats from ASEAN member states stationed in a third country or international organization.

  • The chairmanship rotates annually among member states.

  • Represents ASEAN's collective interests in non-member countries and international organizations.

  • Promotes ASEAN’s objectives, initiatives, and values while enhancing cooperation with external partners.

  • Crucial for expanding ASEAN's influence in global affairs and facilitating diplomatic relations.

  • Enhances cooperation on shared issues such as trade, security, and sustainable development, ensuring ASEAN's relevance on the international stage.