AIPA-47 Set to Advance ASEAN Unity as Vietnam Tables Four Draft Resolutions

On November 17 and 18, parliamentarians from across Southeast Asia will gather in Manila for the 47th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, known as AIPA. Vietnam's delegation will be led by National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man. Ahead of the meeting, AIPA Secretary-General Chem Widhya spoke to VOV's resident correspondents in Jakarta, where the organisation is based, about what the assembly is expected to deliver.

The theme is "Parliaments Securing a Peaceful, Prosperous and People-centred ASEAN." Widhya said the three priorities reinforce one another, but peace is the foundation, because no country or region can reach lasting development or shared prosperity without it. He pointed to tensions and conflicts elsewhere in the world and warned that several unpredictable, increasingly complex security threats arriving together could push the region into a dangerous situation beyond its control.

In that setting, he said, ASEAN needs to reinforce regional peace and security and strengthen its centrality. That role, he stressed, cannot be assumed. It has to be earned through concrete action, trust-building and the development of a common voice. He also noted that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. He described it as a landmark document with legally binding principles for member states and its high-level signatories, and called for strict adherence to its fundamental provisions, which he said would help ASEAN move toward a golden era of unity and cooperation.

The assembly is expected to produce several concrete results. The most significant is the admission of Timor-Leste as AIPA's 11th member parliament, which Widhya called a historic milestone for the country and for ASEAN. He said that despite its small land area and population, Timor-Leste has considerable potential and resources to help strengthen the regional body. The parliaments of Spain and Serbia are also expected to be welcomed as new observers, which he took as a sign of AIPA's growing appeal.

Delegates are also expected to adopt 38 resolutions covering political and socio-economic issues, as well as matters concerning women and young people. Widhya said parliaments, as representative institutions, must protect people's interests, remain accountable and listen to their voices, particularly women, who make up more than half the population. Young parliamentarians are expected to concentrate on climate change, food security and access to clean water, which he described as crucial to global peace.

Vietnam has submitted four draft resolutions covering political, economic and social matters. One focuses on promoting women's participation in political life and their representation in leadership positions. Widhya said he was confident the Vietnamese proposals would win support and be adopted. He described Vietnam as an inspiration in economic development and political stability, citing its stable society, peaceful communities and dynamic, creative younger generation, and noted that the strength of each member parliament adds to AIPA's collective strength.

Vietnam's history with the body is long. It became the sixth member of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organisation, AIPA's predecessor, on September 19, 1995, and has now been a member for 31 years. It has hosted the General Assembly three times: the 23rd AIPO assembly in 2002, and the 31st and 41st AIPA assemblies in 2010 and 2020. Its National Assembly has contributed initiatives and co-sponsored resolutions on gender equality, women's empowerment, support for people with disabilities and environmental sustainability. It has also promoted parliamentary cooperation on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and closer coordination between AIPA and ASEAN.

What to watch in Manila is whether the 38 resolutions pass, including Vietnam's four, and whether Timor-Leste's admission and the new observer seats for Spain and Serbia are confirmed as expected.