The 2^nd ACD Summit
 

Introduction

·        Thailand will host the 2^nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit on 10 October 2016 in Bangkok under the theme “One Asia, Diverse Strengths” where 34 leaders of Asian countries in all the sub-regions will be meeting to discuss how to mobilize Asia’s strengths and resources to reignite and drive the next phase of global growth.

·        This gathering of Asian Leaders is a live portrait of the “Asian Century,” the time when the global economic momentum is centered in Asia. For more than a decade, we have witnessed the Asia’s ascendancy to the world stage, spurred by the rapid socio-economic development and geopolitical shifts. Asia will continue to contribute 60% of world growth. It is undeniable that Asia is now the world’s largest hub that injects “fuel” to the global economy to drive new financial cooperation, inclusive growth and sustainable development agenda.

What is ACD? What does it aim to achieve?

·        The ACD is an Asian regional cooperation framework initiated by Thailand. Founded in 2002 in Thailand, the ACD is the only pan-Asian platform that brings together all Asian sub-regions to address regional challenges, discuss and exchange ideas on regional cooperation to consolidate strengths, and enhance trust and understanding among the member countries, with an aim to build an Asian community.

·        The ACD Member States cooperate on multidimensional issues to surpass any root causes that hinder Asia from its prosperity, ranging from poverty eradication and human capital development to the promotion of financial inclusiveness, to technology and innovation development and accessibility for all.  

What this Summit will discuss

·        The Summit places its activities in the context of regional and global development. ACD Member States align their collective endeavors with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the prioritization of ACD’s 6 pillars of cooperation: (1) Connectivity (2) Science, Technology and Innovation (3) Education and Human Resource Development (4) Food, Energy and Water Security (5) Culture and Tourism, and (6) Promotion of Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.

·        Cooperation in each priority pillar is propelled by ACD prime mover(s). Thailand will take the lead in the promotion of inclusive growth and sustainable development pillar in which Thailand will share its experience in implementing Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). 

·        In this Summit, heads of delegations will have the opportunity to openly and creatively discuss matters of mutual concern and will use this forum to encourage all ACD Member States to utilize our diverse strengths to achieve the goals of the framework. 

·        The ACD Leaders will also discuss ways and means of reigniting global economic growth to build upon the deliberations of the G-20 Summit held in Hangzhou, China during 4 – 5 September 2016.

·        All Member States will share the vision which aims to achieve the foundation of an Asian community in 2030. There will be 3 outcome documents which are (1) Bangkok Declaration (2) ACD Vision for Asia Cooperation 2030 and (3) ACD Statement on Reigniting Growth through Partnerships for Connectivity. 

·        The Summit will also open a new chapter for the ACD private sector at the ACD Connect Business Forum 2016 under the theme “Innovative Financial Connectivity for a Sustainable Asia,” to be held on 9 October 2016. It will highlight the importance of financial connectivity and innovation particularly Financial Technology and Infrastructure Financing.

·        Representatives of the ACD private sector will also meet the ACD Leaders to inform them of the private sector’s recommendations on how to improve the public-private partnerships to strengthen business environment and the mobilization of available funds for optimal benefits of regional development.

Thailand’s roles in this Summit

·        As the host of this Summit, Thailand expects to boost confidence among the Asian community, as well as to promote Thailand’s creative role as the initiator of the ACD and the Chairman of G77 in 2016. Thailand will engage all member countries in discussion on cooperative frameworks under the 6 pillars of ACD which will ultimately lead ACD to the achievement of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

·        Thailand will take the lead in the promotion of inclusive growth and sustainable development pillar in which Thailand will share its experience in implementing Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). 

Media Registration

·        Kindly be informed that registration will be done online only through ACD website at www.acdsummit2016.com under the banner Media.

·        To complete online registration, you will need to upload (1) recent Photo (2 inches, digital format), (2) a copy of passport for foreign media or Identification Card for Thai media, and (3) a copy of Media Identification. Unregistered media will not be allowed to enter the meeting premises.

·        Media Badge: Registered media must bring identification document (passport or ID card) to collect media badge at the Press Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, G Floor from 7 – 8 October 2016, 08.30 – 16.30 hrs.

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