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Introduction

The ASEAN Secretariat is the administrative body of ASEAN dedicated to initiating, facilitating and coordinating ASEAN stakeholder collaboration in realising the purposes and principles reflected in the ASEAN Charter. It is led by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, who is appointed by the ASEAN Summit for a non-renewable 5 year term. The work of the Secretary-General of ASEAN is assisted by four Deputy Secretary-Generals, each correlating to an ASEAN Community:

  • Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community
  • Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
  • Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Political Security Community
  • Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs

The ASEAN Secretary General is responsible for (Article 11, ASEAN Charter):

  • Acting as Chief Administrative Officer of ASEAN
  • Carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this high office in accordance with the provisions of this Charter and relevant ASEAN instruments, protocols and established practices
  • Facilitating and monitoring progress in the implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions, and submit an annual report on the work of ASEAN to the ASEAN Summit
  • Participating in meetings of the ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Community Councils, the ASEAN Coordinating Council, and ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies and other relevant ASEAN meetings
  • Presenting the views of ASEAN and participating in meetings with external parties in accordance with approved policy guidelines and mandate given to the Secretary-General
  • Recommending the appointment and termination of the Deputy Secretaries-General to the ASEAN Coordinating Council for approval

iconStarTackling violence against women and civil society engagement: ASEAN accredited civil society organisations

ASEAN-Accredited Civil Society Organisations perform functions and activities that are governmental or quasi-governmental in nature, but are not formally incorporated into the ASEAN structure. These CSOs are allowed to establish working relationships with a specific ASEAN body relevant to its specialisation. To receive accreditation, CSOs must submit an application to the ASEAN Secretariat for review and approval. Once approved, CSOs are expected to fulfil certain requirements (e.g. invite officials of ASEAN member states to their meetings) and participate in relevant ASEAN activities as consultants.

ASEAN Accredited Civil Society Organisations may (ASEAN Guidelines on Accreditation of Civil Society Organisations):

  • Submit written statements, recommendations, proposals and views on policy matters or significant events or regional or international concerns to the ASEAN Standing Committee through the ASEAN Secretariat
  • Initiate programmes of activities for presentation to its link body for appropriate action
  • Attend meetings of the link body for consultation on matters and issues of direct concern to it
  • Access ASEAN documents for the purposes of research for its projects
  • Use the facilities of the ASEAN Secretariat for its official meetings and other official activities in Jakarta be provided with key ASEAN publications each year

iconLockWant more? Read the ASEAN ‘Guidelines on Accreditation of CSOs’

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