The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, followed by Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN.
Fundamental Principles In their relations with one another, the ASEAN Member States have adopted the following fundamental principles, as contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of 1976:
Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations;
The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion;
Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;
Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;
Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and
Effective cooperation among themselves.
Quotes
Sohail Inayatullah: “While focusing on what works is important, I would like to begin with a discussion on what has not worked, with the intent to learn from failures. What does not work often has more “energy” – it certainly affords a greater opportunity to learn.”
Anthony Bourdain: “I always entertain the notion that I’m wrong, or that I’ll have to revise my opinion. Most of the time that feels good; sometimes it really hurts and is embarrassing.”
Auroville: “Today Auroville has come a long way in terms of water management. Beyond the largely successful reforestation of the area, major work in erosion control via check dams, rainwater harvesting via bunds and de-silting irrigation tanks, waste water treatment plants within individual communities, appropriate building technologies, emphasis on renewable energies, community awareness, and data gathering have all been areas of strength.
Despite the strides we have taken, there is still a long way to go given the challenges that face us today.”
It is my pleasure to read everything in one spot; this is my first little visit.