Mr. President,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of 11 Member States of ASEAN.

2. Today, we reflect on ECOSOC’s remarkable eight-decade journey, upholding the principles of multilateralism and global solidarity, to promote international cooperation, advance sustainable development and address key economic, social, and environmental challenges.

3. ECOSOC has played a pivotal role in steering meaningful intergovernmental deliberations, developing global normative frameworks and enabling UN entities to work with local and regional actors and translate development commitments into tangible progress.

4. At a time of increasing fragmentation and uncertainty, ASEAN recognizes the importance of revitalization and innovation to ensure that ECOSOC remains relevant and effective in responding to emerging and interconnected global challenges.

5. In this context, ASEAN wishes to highlight the following points:

6. First, ASEAN views that ECOSOC has a crucial role in advancing discussions on reforming the global financial system, especially by leveraging the Seville Commitment to address the urgent needs of developing countries.

7. Second, regional organizations, such as ASEAN, can contribute significantly to reforming the international financial architecture by advancing economic integration, mobilizing development finance, scaling up innovative solutions, and enhancing coherence between national and international efforts to bridge the SDG financing gap.

8. Third, ASEAN believes that a reinvigorated ECOSOC can serve as a more effective and inclusive platform for multilateralism by fostering cross-regional dialogue and strengthening partnerships with regional organizations and other stakeholders to promote innovation and inclusive growth.

9. ASEAN underscores the importance of the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership in supporting ASEAN Community-building and addressing global and regional challenges through shared goals and complementary initiatives.

10. In this light, ASEAN recently endorsed the Complementarities Initiative 2.0 to ensure alignment of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 with the UN 2030 Agenda, with a renewed focus on fostering a greener, more resilient, and inclusive region.

11. Looking ahead, based on our support for multilateralism, ASEAN stands ready to work with ECOSOC and all partners to strengthen cooperation and accelerate progress both at the regional and global level towards sustainable development.

Thank you!