Asean, UN Partner to Stamp Out Poverty, Transnational Crime
Jakarta. High-level officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, and the United Nations met in Jakarta on Tuesday (18/04), where they agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing challenging issues in the region.
In September 2016, foreign ministers of Asean member countries and the secretary-general of the UN agreed on the so-called 2016-20 Plan of Action, which calls for greater inter-agency cooperation in political security, economic and socio-cultural affairs.
According to a statement received by the Jakarta Globe, the importance of cross-sector cooperation in issues such as gender equality, women's empowerment and social inequality was highlighted in the meeting.
"The five-year plan is a key instrument for advancing engagement between Asean and the UN to realize the goals of Asean Vision 2025 for a 'people-centered, people-oriented' region," the statement said.
Transnational security was another main concern raised at the high-level meeting, as UN representatives pointed to reports of increased activity of organized crime syndicates and human traffickers in the region.
"Asean has evolved to become an indispensable partner for peace and prosperity, not only in the region but increasingly on the global stage," said Miroslav Jenča, assistant secretary-general for political affairs at the UN.
Tuesday's meeting was a reaffirmation of the two secretariats' commitment to strengthen bilateral collaboration and seek comprehensive, regional solutions to address issues such as combating the effects of climate change, eradicating poverty and ensuring sustainable economic development.
Asean Committee of Permanent Representatives and a senior delegation of the UN met in Jakarta on Wednesday.
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