At the outset we would like to thank you, distinguished Co-Chairs for convening this important debate. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the ten countries of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and my own country Lao PDR. We remain committed in supporting co-chairs Ambassador Cornel Feruţă of Romania and Ambassador Menissa Rambally of Saint Lucia in the process of the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly.

Excellencies,

ASEAN recognizes the pivotal role played by the General Assembly in addressing global challenges, promoting international cooperation, and fostering dialogue among nations. As a region committed to the principles of multilateralism, we emphasize the need for a revitalized General Assembly that reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and ensures the voices of all nations are heard.

Member States have diligently worked together since the inception of the General Assembly itself, to find innovative ways to further enhance the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the General Assembly. These deliberations have successfully produced hundreds of outcomes under specific clusters and headings. The progress and outcomes are testaments to our commitment to the multilateral system, towards the credibility and integrity of the United Nations. ASEAN in this regard would like to emphasize the following:

First: we firmly believe that it is imperative to implement relevant Resolutions to revitalize the work of the General Assembly. The implementation of these resolutions is not merely a moral imperative but it demonstrates our shared responsibility for upholding the rule of law;

Second: We encourage collaborative efforts to strengthen the General Assembly's mechanisms, streamline its processes, and make it more adaptable to emerging global challenges;

Finally, the General Assembly's role in promoting sustainable development cannot be overstated. Revitalizing the General Assembly allows us to pool resources, share expertise, and work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Excellencies,

ASEAN notes that for this session, we will discuss the clusters on the Role and Authority, as well as the Working Methods of the General Assembly. We look forward to the interactive dialogue with the UN Secretariat later in June this year. ASEAN remains committed to engage constructively in the process with a view to make meaningful progress this year.

Thank you.