Executive Summary

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The ASEAN Development Outlook (ADO) – Inclusive and Sustainable Development is the first report of its kind. In this inaugural report, an effort is made to chart progress towards inclusive and sustainable development in the ASEAN region, and to identify key challenges together with examples of best practices and candid analysis on lesson learned for future policy planning and programming.

To this end, capability approach is employed as an analytical framework complemented by the foresight approach to sharpen policy insights. Three broad research objectives guide the report: (1) assess development goals and outcomes of ASEAN against foreseen future challenges in order to identify gaps or shortfalls; (2) evaluate progress and highlight best practices and ways to accelerate such gains across the region; and (3) make policy recommendations to advance progress against existing goals and propose new ones where applicable. Given the broad scope and the complexity of some of the issues discussed, the ADO seeks to highlight a forward-looking approach to interacting challenges, new perspectives and question as well as contextually pertinent solutions.

To read the full report, please download to the link above.

Key Findings – Theme 1: Identity

Foundation for regional leadership

ASEAN's strength from plurality of identities in the region can be a foundation for regional leadership if a participatory approach is used to create a shared vision that drives social progress.

Create better policies

Policymakers can create better policies by understanding people's identities through foresight and evidence-based analysis.

Dismantle social norms

ASEAN Community Vision requires dismantling social norms that exclude people based on disability, gender, or minority cultures.

Require social justice approach

Building a strong ASEAN identity requires a social justice approach that tackles unequal access to resources and opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Blend universal values

ASEAN's identity should blend universal values with respect for the region's diverse cultures and heritage.

Data collection

Data collection for understanding ASEAN identity needs to consider both traditional and new methods to ensure all voices are heard, especially those from rural and marginalized communities.

Key Findings – Theme 2: Natural and Built Environment

Prioritize tackling climate change

ASEAN must prioritize tackling climate change to ensure food security, especially for cities vulnerable to floods and droughts.

Strategic green investments

Disasters are changing - slow-onset events cost the most for development, while sudden disasters are getting worse. Strategic green investments can build resilience and improve development outcomes.

Building disaster management capacity

Ignoring rising sea levels, extreme weather, and sinking coasts in development plans will lead to subpar results. Building disaster management capacity is crucial for sustainable development.

Community engagement

Planned urban expansion can benefit cities, but unplanned growth creates social and environmental problems. Community engagement is key to creating livable cities for growing populations.

Circular economy

Implementing sustainable consumption and production requires a focus on both supply and demand, with social and technical solutions. An ASEAN-led circular economy can inspire young and old and position ASEAN as a global leader.

Key Findings – Theme 3: Livelihoods

High-quality teachers and innovative teaching

High-quality teachers and innovative teaching are key to improving student learning outcomes in ASEAN.

Equal opportunities for all children

Education systems should consider individual needs to ensure equal opportunities for all children.

Limited Training

Many ASEAN workers lack good job options, highlighting the need to address the root causes of poverty and limited training.

Effective policies for decent work

Effective policies for decent work require understanding the underlying causes of informality and vulnerability, not just treating the symptoms.

TVET systems in ASEAN

TVET systems in ASEAN need a major overhaul to meet the needs of both traditional and emerging industries, promoting lifelong learning for inclusive development.

Key Findings – Theme 4: Social Welfare and Health

Social protection

ASEAN social protection spending is low and needs to expand to cover mental health, violence, and long-term care, especially for vulnerable groups, funded by a regional welfare fund and civil society collaboration.

Social inequalities

Reducing social inequalities in ASEAN improves healthcare access and disease prevention, requiring a regional approach to emerging infectious diseases.

Healthcare revenue

ASEAN can raise healthcare revenue through harmonized taxes on unhealthy habits while promoting awareness and prevention of major diseases.

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