The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents a unique and diverse community of nations bound by shared aspirations for peace, progress, and regional solidarity. Despite differences in language, culture, governance, and levels of economic development, ASEAN has demonstrated that cooperation is not only possible but essential in an increasingly interconnected world. While much of the attention is often placed on executive-level cooperation, the legislative arm—ASEAN parliaments—plays an equally vital role in shaping the region’s future. The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and other inter-parliamentary mechanisms have a critical opportunity to act as unifying forces and catalysts for sustainable development across the region.

One of the most impactful ways in which ASEAN parliaments can contribute is by working to harmonise legislative frameworks among member states. Shared laws and aligned policies create a more coherent regional environment that facilitates trade, investment, labour mobility, and regulatory compatibility. This legal synchronisation supports the goals of the ASEAN Economic Community by making the region more competitive and integrated, while also ensuring that cooperation in transnational challenges—such as human trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, and environmental degradation—is coordinated and effective.

ASEAN parliaments are also uniquely positioned to advocate for people-centred development. As elected representatives, parliamentarians can ensure that regional integration translates into tangible benefits for all citizens. By championing inclusive policies that address inequality, gender equity, access to education, and digital empowerment, legislative bodies can help ASEAN become a region that uplifts its people regardless of geography, class, or background. The voice of the people, channeled through their parliaments, ensures that development remains grounded in justice and equity.

In the realm of peace and regional security, ASEAN parliaments can play a pivotal role in reinforcing ASEAN’s longstanding commitment to non-interference and peaceful dialogue. Through parliamentary diplomacy, lawmakers can serve as informal envoys who build mutual understanding across borders. This form of diplomacy fosters trust and openness, enabling peaceful dispute resolution and reinforcing ASEAN’s role as a zone of peace and neutrality. At times of crisis—whether political, environmental, or humanitarian—parliamentary dialogue can provide a stabilising influence and complement the efforts of executive leaders.

Moreover, the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy enhances ASEAN’s institutional resilience. Regular interactions between legislators from different member states help cultivate a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect. These engagements allow lawmakers to exchange best practices, learn from each other’s successes and challenges, and respond collectively to pressing regional issues such as pandemics, climate change, and digital transformation.

Sustainability and green development also fall within the scope of parliamentary responsibility. With ASEAN facing shared environmental threats—from rising sea levels to deforestation—legislators have the mandate to push for national policies that align with regional and global climate goals. By advancing laws that support renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure, parliaments can steer their nations toward long-term ecological resilience. These efforts ensure that development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation and future generations.

Finally, ASEAN’s youth and civil society must be empowered if the region is to sustain its development. Parliaments can institutionalize youth engagement through youth parliament programmes and internships, ensuring that young people not only understand governance but participate in it. In addition, civil society must be seen as a partner in policy-making, not a peripheral actor. Legislative reforms that expand public participation, protect freedom of expression, and nurture innovation will further enrich the region’s democratic fabric.

In conclusion, ASEAN’s strength lies in its unity amidst diversity. The region’s parliaments are more than legislative bodies—they are engines of integration, voices of the people, and stewards of regional transformation. Through greater inter-parliamentary cooperation, harmonized legislation, and a commitment to inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable development, ASEAN parliaments can help shape a future that reflects the shared hopes of over 680 million people. The task ahead is not without its challenges, but with vision and collaboration, the ASEAN Parliament can become a true pillar of unity and progress.