He made the proposal at the second meeting of Asean’s Eminent Persons Group, saying that an Asean institute would serve as a pool of expertise for the region and world – to study the practices, policies, principles and norms within Southeast Asia.  All research undertaken by the institute could be passed down to Asean youths, Ramos said.

The EPG, which was set up at the Asean summit last year, comprises 10 experienced diplomats and scholars – one from each Asean member. They have been tasked with making recommendations on what should be included in an Asean Charter. The charter would serve as a guideline for Asean on how to form an Asean community, and would attempt to define common norms and shared values.

Ramos said the charter should contain values described in other charters, such as those valued by the United Nations – human rights, justice and equal opportunity. He expressed confidence that Burma, as a country condemned as a gross human-rights abuser, would not be an obstacle to drafting a charter.

He also stressed that Asean leaders should focus on basic values that Asean nations share and ensure that the younger generation appreciates the region’s cultural diversity.

“It is important for young people in the region to appreciate the common values in Southeast Asia,” he said. “It will help generate better understanding.”

More than just social and cultural understanding, Ramos said that it was important for member nations to ensure the regional economy remained strong.

Asean’s six older brothers – Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – must take care of the four younger members (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Burma) and not leave them far behind, he said.

The 10 EPG members will meet at least four times prior to the 12th Asean Summit being hosted by the Philippines at the end of this year, where the EPG will submit its report and ideas. 

Sopaporn Saeung

The Nation