ASEAN Strengthens Cross-Sectoral Partnerships at the 16th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of External Affairs | Ministry of Commerce and Industry
The 16th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium (12 September 2025) was held under the theme “Accelerating Inclusive and Sustainable Connectivity: Synergising Sectors for Equitable Futures.” The event convened over 160 participants including officials from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN sectoral and dialogue partner bodies.
Discussions focused on aligning ASEAN’s Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC 2025) with broader regional goals—especially sustainable development, infrastructure, digital innovation, logistics, seamless mobility, and regulatory excellence. Key priorities included enhancing cross-sectoral cooperation, improving private-sector engagement, mobilizing resources for connectivity projects, and ensuring equity in connectivity outcomes across and within member states.
The Symposium highlights ASEAN’s push to move MPAC 2025 from a planning framework to actionable, cross-sector implementation. For policymakers, this means improving institutional coordination, ensuring sectors like transport, digital infrastructure, and regulation don’t operate in silos, and enhancing mechanisms for financing and equity. Strong private sector engagement and properly defined national roles are particularly critical for effectiveness and for ensuring that connectivity delivers benefits equitably.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India adapt ASEAN’s cross-sectoral connectivity model to enhance Act East Policy outcomes and ensure equitable, sustainable regional integration?
Follow the full news here: https://asean.org/asean-strengthens-cross-sectoral-partnerships-at-the-16th-asean-connectivity-symposium/