On 30 March 2017, Ms. Phasporn Sangasubana, Deputy Director-General, Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the Inaugural Roundtable Discussion on ASEAN Chairmanship Priorities held in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines. The Roundtable was attended by representatives from the government, the institutes of international affairs and development, and members of the private sectors from ASEAN member states.

          The Roundtable served as a forum for the participants to discuss pertinent and emerging issues facing ASEAN under the Chairmanship of the Philippines, and subsequently, Singapore and Thailand, and to help align the priorities and agenda of the ASEAN chairs for the next three consecutive years. In this regard, the participants discussed the challenges facing the ASEAN Community caused by the changes in the world, such as the rise of nationalism and populism, and the ways in which ASEAN governments and private sectors can work together to ensure that the ASEAN Community can ensure global relevance while maintaining internal inclusiveness.

          In moving forward, the participants noted that the lack of affinity felt by the general public towards ASEAN causes a major hindrance on realizing 

a truly people-centered ASEAN Community. Therefore, the participants noted the importance of direct engagement with all stakeholders in the community-building process.  To realize a truly people-centered ASEAN Community, the participants agreed that all ASEAN Chairs should implement policies with people at its core and formulate partnerships and strategies with all stakeholders to promote inclusiveness, and to ensure that ASEAN remains relevant to its peoples.