On 19 May 2017, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand joined hands with the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, and ASEAN – Japan Centre, to organize the 50^th Anniversary of ASEAN Special Lecture Series titled “Challenges for ASEAN in the Changing Regional and Global Landscape” by H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, former Secretary – General of ASEAN and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, at Bellesalle Onarimon Hall, Tokyo. The Lecture Series aimed to raise awareness about ASEAN among various Japanese sectors, strengthen ASEAN – Japan strategic partnership, and increase the volume of trade and investment and the bonds between peoples of ASEAN and Japan especially in this year which Thailand and Japan is celebrating 130^th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

          In his lecture,  H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan described ASEAN as “50 years of balancing acts” amidst internal and external challenges. Nevertheless, due to its strength, ASEAN has managed to overcome those challenges by exercising its convening power and its ability to improvise. H.E. Dr. Surin further stated that one of emerging challenges that ASEAN is currently facing is the roll – back of globalization. In response to the decline of globalization and multilateralism, ASEAN needs to expedite RCEP negotiations, boost intra – ASEAN trade,        and encourage Japan and other developed countries to support technology transfer, as well as research and development in the region. With regard to the Korean Peninsula, ASEAN should intensify the role of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) whose members include countries from the Six – Party Talks (Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Russia, China, Japan, and the United States) and promote appointment of ARF Special Envoy on the Korean Peninsula to address this challenge.

          Following the lecture, H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan along with H.E. Mr. Bansarn Bunnag, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, Mr. Suriya Chindawongse, Director –General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Mr. Masataka Fujita, Secretary General of the ASEAN – Japan Center, and other distinguished guests, had a look at the “ASEAN through the Lens of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Photo Exhibition” and the special exhibition “ASEAN@50: For Now and Posterity Exhibition,” which were on display at the ASEAN – Japan Centre, Tokyo during 15 – 25 May 2017. These special exhibitions were made possible with the support of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, a special partner in this project, in transporting them to Tokyo from Bangkok.

          The event was a great success, with approximately 250 attendants, which was a higher turnout than expected. Attendants included members of Team Thailand in Tokyo, representatives from Japanese government, business sector, academic sector, and local media.