Southeast Asia and the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a treasure trove of boundless investment potential and a champion for climate change resilience around the world. It is a peaceful region composed of sixteen (16) sovereign nations and eighteen (18) associated islands ready and open to all.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents ten (10) member countries in Southeast Asia that comprises mature and emerging economies and is paving the way for growth across the globe.
The primary aspiration of the Caribbean ASEAN Council is to advocate the unlimited potential of Caribbean states and emerging Latin American countries to the nations in the ASEAN region and vice-versa in order to foster a positive and enduring relationship.
The primary aspiration of the Caribbean ASEAN Council is to advocate the unlimited potential of Caribbean states and emerging Latin American countries to the nations in the ASEAN region and vice-versa in order to foster a positive and enduring relationship.
The Caribbean ASEAN Voluntary Council for Sustainable Development Goals or simply, the Caribbean ASEAN Council, is the conduit connecting these regions with the world. The Council's activities, which incorporates varied levels of commercial and cultural diplomacy, are set upon and aligned under the guidance of the global goals on sustainable development (SDGs). We will always have a strong core focus for economic and social development in these regions. The Council has been registered with the NGO Branch of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) with Consultative Status pending at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The Caribbean ASEAN Council is a Swiss Verein, seated in Geneva, and is a global, non-government, and non-profit association in accordance with the European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organizations. It is listed on the European Union's Transparency Register and recorded by the Union of International Associations (UIA). The Council is also a Lifetime Member of Civicus - the World Alliance for Citizen Participation.
The Caribbean ASEAN Council is a Swiss Verein, seated in Geneva, and is a global, non-government, and non-profit association in accordance with the European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organizations. It is listed on the European Union's Transparency Register and recorded by the Union of International Associations (UIA). The Council is also a Lifetime Member of Civicus - the World Alliance for Citizen Participation.
Activities of the Council's socio-civic advocacy programme is administered by the Eastern Caribbean-Southeast Asia Economic and Cultural Chamber (EC-SEA Chamber). The EC-SEA Chamber is a non-government initiative recognised by the United Nations as part of the SIDS Global Business Network under the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) . It is also an official participant to the U.N. Global Compact and an Associate Member of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the U.N.
Regional Information
About 650 million people live in the ten (10) member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development states that "after setting out on the path to economic recovery in 2021, Emerging Asia is expected to continue its rebound in 2022. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty in the first half of the year. Overall, Emerging Asian economies are expected to grow by 5.8% on average in 2022 and by 5.2% on average in 2023. The economic growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is projected to increase by 5.2% in 2022, followed by a 5.2% expansion in 2023." According to the World Economic Forum, ASEAN is on-track to become the fourth-largest economy in the world.
The Caribbean region is home to more than 45 million diverse people and culture. According to the World Bank, "the Caribbean is a diverse region with significant economic potential and growth opportunities. Gross National Income (GNI) per capita varies from around US$800 to over US$30,000 and most countries rely primarily on tourism, while some on commodity exports. With its stunning scenery and vibrant cultures, the Caribbean is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Sustainable use of ocean resources, known as the “blue economy,” offers potential for economic diversification, while preserving the region’s environment, as well as further development of other sectors with potential for growth. Latin America and Caribbean region is on track to recovering previous levels of Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. After a 6.9% rebound in 2021, regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by 2.3% in 2022 and a further 2.2% in 2023, with most countries reversing GDP losses from the pandemic crisis. Another great opportunity is green growth as the region contributes only 8% of global GHG emissions and has huge "green comparative advantages" that offer opportunities for new industries and exports. In addition, the region has enormous potential in renewable electricity - solar, wind and geothermal - and vast natural capital - water, trees, biodiversity - that offers the potential for new industries." The Caribbean ASEAN Council is an inter-regional platform that encourages the involvement of the wider Caribbean including many of the English, French, Dutch and Spanish speaking countries as it forecasts a larger contribution from this emerging region.
Global Engagement
Endeavours of both the Caribbean ASEAN Council and the Eastern Caribbean-Southeast Asia Chamber have been acknowledged by distinguished persons. These include His Majesty King Charles III and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne. We thank Her Excellency Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for her support in our intentions. The Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) former Secretary General as well as the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica have gladly received our efforts. In addition, the Council's Representative Councillor has personally introduced our objectives to HRH The Princess Royal when he met Her Royal Highness in London. He also had a brief occassion to present our aims to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Her Excellency The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal.
The Caribbean ASEAN Council's volunteer Councillors tirelessly work around the world engaging in various activities to help advance the Council's cause.
Aside from the photos below, you can view our other public documents here.
ASEAN: The Next Economic Superpower
Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations states that: "The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests."
The Caribbean ASEAN Council strongly advocates the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It has planned several short term and long term projects in support of this important mandate. Among these, the Council has established the Asia Caribbean Open Institute, an educational initiative that directly supports Goal No. 4 of the SDGs which must "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all".
The Caribbean ASEAN Council strongly advocates the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It has planned several short term and long term projects in support of this important mandate. Among these, the Council has established the Asia Caribbean Open Institute, an educational initiative that directly supports Goal No. 4 of the SDGs which must "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all".
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The Caribbean ASEAN Council is an international civil society volunteer advocacy programme registered with the NGO Branch of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA). The Council is a global, non-government, and non-profit association formed under Swiss law in accordance with the European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organizations. It is listed on the European Union's Transparency Register with identification number 063886638002-22, and recorded by the Union of International Associations (UIA) with number AA2151. The Council is also a Lifetime Member of CIVICUS - the World Alliance for Citizen Participation.