On 2 November 2019, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, chaired the Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers, in open-ended format, with representatives of Civil Society Organisations (ASEAN Civil Society Conferences and ASEAN People’s Forum) led by Ms. Chalida Tajaroensuk and Ms. Suntaree H. Seng-Ging, Co-Chairs of ASEAN Civil Society Conferences and ASEAN People’s Forum. The Meeting provided the opportunity for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers to listen to the views of the civil society in fostering an inclusive ASEAN Community that is people-centered and leaves no one behind.

The CSO representatives discussed the shared objectives between CSO and governments in realizing an ASEAN Community that is sustainable and prosperous, truly benefiting peoples from all walks of life. The meeting recognised the role of this platform in enhancing inclusiveness as it enables the views and needs of all sectors of society, be they youth, women, and persons with disabilities, as well as key issues on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and alternative energy, to be reflected to policy makers.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand remarked that CSOs could help governments and societies track progress of policy implementation on the ground as well as provide feedback on what the people really need. The meeting noted the ASEAN CSOs’ statement delivered at the meeting, and stressed the importance of consultation in the spirit of partnership.

This is the second meeting between ASEAN and representatives of CSOs this year. The first occasion took place at the Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials, in open-ended format, on 17 September 2019 in Bangkok. Both meetings reflect the importance that Thailand as ASEAN Chair attaches to promoting an inclusive process in promoting the ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability.”

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