ASEAN Urged to Prioritize Children in Policymaking

ASEAN leaders were strongly urged to place child protection at the core of their policymaking during a recent summit. This move highlights the necessity for the bloc to deepen its consideration for children, the most vulnerable segment of society, as it pursues economic growth and regional integration. The meeting acknowledged the bloc's achievements across political, security, economic, and socio-cultural spheres. However, it was emphasized that investing in children's education, health, and safety is crucial for sustainable development. Ensuring an environment where children can grow up healthy is key to ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared across society and contribute to poverty and inequality reduction. Vietnam, under its one-party system, has prioritized socio-economic development and achieved rapid economic growth. However, this growth has also brought challenges such as educational disparities and equal opportunities for children from poor families. The recommendations from ASEAN are a significant indication for the Vietnamese government to further strengthen the protection of children's rights domestically and build a more inclusive society. Furthermore, as regional economic integration strengthens, economic aspects such as supply chain stabilization and digitalization were also discussed. Singapore's Defence Minister described data as "the new lubricant for the future economy," emphasizing its importance. Thailand's Prime Minister proposed connecting the "mainland and archipelago" with Thailand as a manufacturing hub and Indonesia as a market and maritime economic gateway, among other measures for deepening regional economic cooperation. As ASEAN continues to aim for regional stability and prosperity, it is expected to place an even greater focus on the universal issue of child protection.