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The 21st Century has certainly brought exciting
new opportunities to our region but it is also
presenting many grave
new challenges.
Some of these test our own resources, commitment
and expertise. Others are too big for a regional
association alone. They test the whole world.
This year’s ASEAN Anniversary Theme does both.
It asks us to promote the central idea of a
“Green Asean” and it speaks to us all directly.
It calls on us all to accept its demands, act
accordingly and set an example in our own
region. It requires us to work closely with our
international partners on problems that question
almost everything about our way of living. It
invites us to acknowledge our regional, national
and even personal responsibilities.
It also reminds us that time is short.
It urges us to do much more than recite the
words, “Climate Change”; “Energy Crisis”; Food
Crisis”; “Economic Crisis”; “Pandemics” and so
forth. It tells us to take action.
In short, it summons up the spirit of our new
Charter.
In Brunei Darussalam, we hear this message and
we send our warmest anniversary greetings to all
our fellow ASEAN members.
We look forward to working with them to make the
people of Southeast Asia truly proud of their
region.
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