Mitigating the Crisis in Myanmar: ASEAN’s Key Role
The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 recently hosted an ASEAN Plenary entitled "Even Stronger Together", where UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, highlighted ASEAN’s key role in addressing the longstanding crisis in Myanmar.
ASEAN’s Neutrality and Responsibility
Bishop emphasized ASEAN’s neutrality in internal issues while acknowledging its responsibility in seeking peaceful solutions. She noted that ASEAN had stepped up with its five-point consensus plan, although its implementation has been slower than desired. "It is frustrating that the five-point consensus plan has not been implemented in a way, or at a scale and the speed, that we would wish. The situation in Myanmar is deteriorating, but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and their new Special Envoy," she said.
Commitment to End the Crisis
Bishop expressed her commitment to work with ASEAN to end the prolonged humanitarian crisis and fighting, and to bring the transnational crimes in Myanmar under control.
Robust Diplomacy Needed
She also echoed the call for more robust diplomacy to achieve peace and stability in Myanmar, noting that both ASEAN and the UN could play a pivotal role in bringing the nation back to the global fold. "Together, ASEAN and the UN can be the bridge-builders, can be the messengers of peace that are so sorely needed in Myanmar. I fervently hope that Myanmar will return as a fully functioning member of ASEAN, the region, and indeed, the global community," she said.
Conclusion
The session was moderated by WEF President, Børge Brende, and featured other panellists including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Global Chair of Mastercard Michael Miebach, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ASEAN’s role in addressing the crisis in Myanmar?
A: ASEAN has stepped up with its five-point consensus plan, and its neutrality in internal issues while acknowledging its responsibility in seeking peaceful solutions.
Q: Why has the five-point consensus plan not been implemented as desired?
A: The plan has not been implemented at the scale and speed desired, but Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and their new Special Envoy offer hope for change.
Q: What is needed to achieve peace and stability in Myanmar?
A: More robust diplomacy is needed, with ASEAN and the UN playing a pivotal role in bringing the nation back to the global fold.