Name: AJ P.
Malonzo Date: December 16, 2024
Subject and Section: GE 3 (The Contemporary World) (section AD)
1. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Background:
ASEAN was founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. It initially
aimed at promoting political and economic stability, cultural growth, and social progress in Southeast
Asia. Additionally, it expanded its membership to include Brunei Darussalam (1984), Vietnam (1995),
Laos and Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999). The key principles within the institution include:
respect for political sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful
settlement of disputes, and abstention from the threat or use of force. (ASEAN Charter, 2007)
Activities:
Among the activities that this institution commonly practiced and observed are:
Political-Security Community: Promotes peace, stability, and security through dialogue and
cooperation on political and security issues.
Economic Community: Fosters economic integration through free trade areas, investment
liberalization, and infrastructure development.
Socio-Cultural Community: Enhances social and cultural cooperation through education,
science, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Key initiatives: ASEAN also highlights several initiatives which are all still functional including ASEAN Free
Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Investment Area (AIA), ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint.
2. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Background:
APEC was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of economies in the
Asia-Pacific region. It is currently comprises 21 member economies, including the United States, Canada,
Mexico, and all major economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Its key objectives are to reduce trade
barriers, enhance economic integration, and support sustainable growth. Moreover, it focuses on
promoting open and free trade and investment, sustainable economic growth, and balanced
development.
Activities:
Among the activities that this institution commonly practiced and observed are:
• Trade and Investment Liberalization: Promotes the reduction of trade barriers and investment
restrictions among member economies.
• Economic and Technical Cooperation: Facilitates cooperation on issues such as human resource
development, science and technology, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Regional Economic Integration: Works towards a deeper integration of regional economies through
initiatives such as the Bogor Goals, which aim to achieve free and open trade and investment in the Asia-
Pacific by 2020 for developed economies and 2020 for developing economies.
3. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Background:
SAARC was established in 1985 with the aim of promoting economic and social development,
poverty alleviation, and regional self-reliance among South Asian countries. It comprises eight member
states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. However, its
progress has often been hindered by political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan
Activities:
Among the activities that this institution commonly practiced and observed are:
• Economic Cooperation: Promotes regional trade and investment through initiatives such as the
South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
• Social and Cultural Cooperation: Focuses on areas such as poverty alleviation, education, health,
and environmental protection.
• Political Cooperation: Promotes peace, security, and good neighborly relations among member
states.
4. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Background:
SCO was founded in 2001 as a political, economic, and security organization. Initially comprised of
China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later on, it expanded its membership
to include India and Pakistan in 2017 and Iran in 2023. Moreover, it focuses on issues such as security,
counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation. The organization emphasizes combating terrorism,
separatism, and extremism, while also promoting trade and cultural collaboration
Activities:
Among the activities that this institution commonly practiced and observed are:
• Security Cooperation: Combats terrorism, extremism, and separatism through joint military
exercises and intelligence sharing.
• Economic Cooperation: Promotes trade, investment, and energy cooperation among member states.
• Cultural Cooperation: Fosters cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
5. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Background:
ADB was established in 1966 to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in Asia and the
Pacific. ADB is owned by 68 member countries, including 49 from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 from
outside. In addition, it provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to member countries for projects
in infrastructure, health, education, and environmental protection. Its 68 members include both regional
(e.g., Japan, India) and non-regional countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada)
Activities:
Among the activities that this institution commonly practiced and observed are:
• Project Financing: Provides loans, grants, and technical assistance for infrastructure development,
poverty reduction, and environmental protection.
• Policy Advice: Provides policy advice and technical assistance to governments on economic and
development issues.
• Knowledge Sharing: Conducts research and disseminates knowledge on development issues in Asia
and the Pacific.
References:
Britannica. (n.d.). Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Retrieved from www.britannica.com
Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). What Is ASEAN?. Retrieved from www.cfr.org
ASEAN. (n.d.). What we do. Retrieved from asean.org
