The year 2021 has been a challenging one as ASEAN continues to address the impacts of COVID-19, especially with the emergence of new variants. Despite this, ASEAN has continued to make advancements through collective efforts under the theme ‘We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper’.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as ASEAN Chairman for 2021, said this in a titah at the closing of the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits held virtually from Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.
His Majesty welcomed the adoption of inclusive and cross-pillar strategies to further advance ASEAN’s community-building efforts embodied in the ASEAN Shield initiative, by improving institutional coordination to enhance preparedness and response to future emergencies and disasters.
ASEAN has also stepped up efforts to respond to and recover from COVID-19, including the procurement of vaccines for its people.
The monarch highlighted cooperation to address mental health and nurture a care economy for the protection and welfare of the people of ASEAN, which are important building blocks to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and beyond.
“ASEAN has laid the foundations to welcome the future with confidence and resilience by adopting the Consolidated Strategy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution for ASEAN,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty noted that leaders had productive discussions on the current state and future direction of the region, and considered ways to further enhance relations with external partners.
To safeguard the region’s progress and development, ASEAN has invested in the youth as its most precious resource.
The monarch highlighted the establishment of the ‘ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme’ to build an understanding and appreciation of ASEAN among junior officials, ensuring the association remains relevant. Brunei Darussalam will sponsor the programme for the next 10 years.
Date of Release: 29 October 2021
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October 29, 2021
