All 10 Asean leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, have officially signed the region’s long-term vision document titled “Asean 2045: Our Shared Future”.

This marks a significant milestone in the bloc’s ongoing journey of regional integration.

Describing the vision as a “living covenant with the future,” Anwar said the blueprint is “anchored in realism, animated by resolve and made possible by trust.”

He said Asean’s efforts over the decades had been guided by strategic vision, shared responsibility and regional trust, with the newly adopted document serving as a continuation of that legacy amid rising global uncertainty.

“Our ability to lead in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and the green and blue economies will determine not just our prosperity, but our cohesion,” Anwar said.

At the same time, he also cautioned that technological advances could deepen inequality and displace livelihoods if not carefully governed.

He highlighted that Asean’s future must be grounded in sustainability and inclusion, with integration efforts focused on closing development gaps, improving living standards and investing in the potential of all its citizens.

“As we turn this page, we renew our promise to our peoples, to our region and to the generations yet to rise,” Anwar said.

The signed declaration was later handed over to the Asean secretary-general Dr Kai Kim Hourn.

—In association with Asia News Network