Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations stressed the bloc's 'indispensable role' amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism on the eve of the ASEAN Summit on Sunday.

"In this challenging environment, ASEAN's role is more indispensable than ever to safeguard the foundations of regional cooperation and sustain the hard-won peace and shared prosperity," said Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN secretary-general.

Kao was addressing via video link the 2025 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum, which was held ahead of the two-day 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

As the global economy confronts headwinds from rising protectionism and escalating trade tensions that threaten the region's sustainable and inclusive growth, ASEAN must stand firm in defending an open, rules-based and predictable trading system, Kao said.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said ASEAN countries must jointly promote multilateralism because no single country can address the various challenges of today's world alone.

"It is necessary for us to stand united to resolve global challenges with cooperation so as to bring about a life of peace, progress and sustainable development for humanity as a whole," Chinh said.

He also called on the business community to contribute to ASEAN resilience and help connect regional supply chains for shared prosperity.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said, "With the global economic landscape rapidly shifting in an unknown direction, ASEAN cannot afford to be reactive."

Hun Manet, whose speech was delivered by Sok Siphana, senior minister of special missions, said it is necessary for the bloc to proactively position itself as an attractive destination for investors, leveraging various free trade agreements, and the strategic ties with key global markets.

Although the global challenges cannot be downplayed, the region should also take more measures to promote transformation toward digitalization and the green economy in an inclusive way that can translate economic success into real benefit for the people, Hun Manet said.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, prime minister of Thailand, said via video link that advancing the leadership of women is critical to ASEAN's inclusive and sustainable future.

"I believe that empowering women will unlock the potential of half its population and bring tangible benefit to our societies, as women can play a transformative role in socioeconomic development," Paetongtarn said.

To achieve this, she called for enhancing regional cooperation, investing in education and financial inclusion for women, and removing barriers to ensure equal rights and opportunities for leadership at all levels.

Unleashing potential

Under the theme "Unleashing ASEAN's Potential Through Innovative, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth", the forum was organized by ASEAN Economic Club, ASEAN Business Club, ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific.

China Daily was a co-organizer of the event.

"Globally, the world is talking of a 'Great Reset' and (it) should include ASEAN," said Michael Yeoh, chairman of the ASEAN Economic Club and president of KSI.

ASEAN is facing challenges in disruption and digitalization, he said, expressing hope that member countries can work together to build a more united bloc with a better and more sustainable future.

In his welcoming remarks via video link, Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the China-ASEAN partnership "has created opportunities that extend beyond borders, benefiting millions across the region".

The forum brought together 400 delegates from government, business and academia from ASEAN and beyond to discuss topics, including ASEAN's leadership in the world of uncertainty, digital transformation, sustainable development, and supply chain connectivity.

kelly@chinadailyapac.com