‘We Do Not Always Agree’: Sugiono Highlights ASEAN’s Strength in Unity at UN Forum

New York: ASEAN needs to continue adapting to remain relevant amid regional changes and rising strategic rivalry, as its strength lies in its ability to manage differences, maintain communication and seek common ground.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono made the remarks in his speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, on Saturday (26/9).

He said Southeast Asia plays an important role in regional and global dynamics. According to Sugiono, Southeast Asia has one of the world’s largest working-age populations and is now the world’s fifth-largest economy, supported by a large and rapidly growing digital economy.

“At the heart of this dynamic region is ASEAN,” Sugiono said.

ASEAN brings together countries with different histories, political systems, levels of development and national interests. These differences mean that ASEAN member states do not always share the same views.

However, Sugiono stressed that ASEAN member states have chosen to stay together and keep communicating, even when reaching agreements is not easy.

“We do not always agree, but we have made a conscious choice to stay together. And we choose to keep talking, even when reaching an agreement is difficult,” he said.

Common Ground

According to Sugiono, this ability has been part of ASEAN’s experience for nearly six decades. ASEAN has managed to navigate differences, maintain communication and continue seeking common ground among its member states.

He said the ability to remain united while maintaining dialogue with various parties is a strength stemming from ASEAN unity and centrality.

“For nearly six decades, ASEAN has managed differences, maintained communication, and continued to seek common ground,” Sugiono said.

This ability has become increasingly important as the region faces rising strategic rivalry. According to Sugiono, ASEAN’s unity and centrality allow the region to engage with various partners while maintaining space for dialogue and cooperation.

“This allows us to engage with all partners and maintain space for dialogue and cooperation, even as strategic competition around us intensifies,” he said.

“At the same time, building a resilient region requires the ability to adapt. Therefore, ASEAN must continue to evolve to remain fit for purpose and deliver benefits to its people and the wider region,” he added. (Razaqa Hariz)

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