BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

At the heart of this vision is the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030( AEC Strategic Plan), which seeks to implement key economic strategies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the agricultural sector.

As ASEAN navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world, its emphasis on agriculture and agro-based initiatives is crucial for ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering resilience against climate change.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2: A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

One of the pivotal elements of the AEC Strategic Plan is the commitment to sustainable development. Under Strategic Goal 2, ASEAN aims to integrate climate-responsive policies across all sectors, including agriculture.

This objective is crucial as the region confronts escalating environmental challenges, especially from climate change, which jeopardises agricultural productivity and food security.

To achieve a sustainable community, the AEC Strategic Plan defines ten specific objectives that guide the region ' s efforts. These objectives aim to unlock economic opportunities while ensuring that ASEAN’ s transition is fair, inclusive, and orderly.

The following are the key objectives relevant to this strategic goal: 1. Building a Supportive Ecosystem: Establishing a conducive environment to unlock the potential of the green economy and enhance resilience through climate adaptation is paramount. This involves creating policies that facilitate investment in sustainable practices. 2. Just and Inclusive Energy Transition

: The transition to sustainable energy sources must be equitable, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the shift towards greener energy solutions. 3. Sustainable Development of Extractive Industries: Promoting responsible practices in extractive industries is essential to minimise environmental impacts while ensuring economic benefits. 4. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: This objective focuses on fostering sustainable agricultural practices and forest management, ensuring that land is used efficiently while protecting natural ecosystems. 5. Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism: Encouraging tourism that respects the environment and local communities contributes to the sustainability agenda while driving economic growth. 6. Leveraging Sustainable Finance: Advancing cooperation in sustainable finance is crucial for mobilising investments that support environmental and social initiatives across the region. 7. Advancing the Blue Economy: The blue economy represents a new engine for inclusive growth, focusing on the sustainable use of ocean resources. 8. Awareness and Capacity Building: Engaging businesses, regulators, and policymakers in understanding and implementing green transition practices is essential for long-term success. 9. Energy Security: Ensuring energy security while promoting sustainability and affordability is key, particularly in the face of fluctuating global energy markets. 10. Smart Mobility: Promoting sustainable and smart transportation solutions will enhance mobility while reducing environmental impacts.

Strategic Goal 2 of the AEC Strategic Plan embodies a transformative vision for a sustainable future in ASEAN. By prioritising climateresponsive policies and encouraging sustainable practices across various sectors, the region can enhance

resilience against climate change while fostering economic growth and social equity.

STRATEGIC GOAL 5: A NIMBLE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY

In light of impending demographic changes and the adverse effects of climate change, Strategic Goal 5 highlights the importance of empowering communities to endure shocks and crises.

ASEAN is navigating a complex landscape characterised by rapid demographic changes, with a projected population exceeding 720 million by 2030. This growth, coupled with increasing climate volatility, necessitates a robust response to ensure that communities can adapt and thrive amidst uncertainty.

Strategic Goal 5 seeks to address these challenges by enhancing regional capacities to respond to economic shocks and environmental stresses.

• Ensuring Food Security and Water Resources Management

A pivotal component of this strategy is Objective 5.3, which focuses on ensuring food security and enhancing the management of water resources. As ASEAN considers the repercussions of climate change, including rising sea levels and altered crop yields, the need for resilience in food and water systems becomes increasingly paramount.

The region will continue to bolster its capacity to withstand potential crises through various strategic measures: 1. Increase the resilience of foods, agriculture, and forestry against climate change, natural disasters, and other shocks. 2. Enhance market connectivity and distribution networks for agriculture and food products. 3. Strengthen integrated food security information systems to effectively forecast, plan and monitor supplies and utilisation for basic food commodities. 4. Strengthen existing emergency rice reserve mechanisms, including

local-based food resources, to ensure effectiveness and quick release of emergency rice reserves. 5. Promote investment in agricultural research and development( R & D) and infrastructure to address agri-food productivity issues. 6. Facilitate access to financing for small-scale farmers and other stakeholders within the food value chains to enable them to participate in sustainable agri-food systems. 7. Accelerate digital transformation, including the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to increase productivity and resilience in agri-food production. 8. Enhance collaboration with the private sector, international organisations, and think tanks to promote public-private partnerships on the security of agri-food systems. 9. Enhance integrated water resources management. 10. Empower the new generation in agriculture through agri-entrepreneurship.

Strategic Goal 5 is a comprehensive blueprint for building a resilient ASEAN community capable of facing the multifaceted challenges of the future. By prioritising food security, infrastructure resilience, and economic stability, ASEAN is laying the groundwork for a prosperous and sustainable future.

The ASEAN 2045 Vision encapsulates a comprehensive approach to agricultural sustainability and resilience. By aligning its strategic goals with the principles of sustainability and inclusivity, ASEAN is well-positioned to address the challenges of food security, climate change, and economic volatility.

Through concerted efforts to promote sustainable practices, enhance resilience, and empower future generations, ASEAN is not only securing its agricultural future but also laying the groundwork for a prosperous and sustainable community.

As the region progresses towards 2045, its dedication to agriculture and agro-based initiatives will be crucial in shaping a resilient and dynamic ASEAN.