ASEAN Obtains Observer Status in the United Nations

On Monday, 4 December 2006, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously granted observer status to ASEAN.  The Philippines, as the current chair of ASEAN, had tabled the resolution for ASEAN's observer status on 10 October 2006. The Sixth Committee adopted the resolution before it was sent to the General Assembly. More than 70 countries cosponsored the resolution.

The General Assembly also adopted another resolution on "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations" on the same day. 

The two resolutions mark a strengthening of ASEAN-UN cooperation.  ASEAN can now participate in the sessions and work of the General Assembly in the capacity of an observer. The UN and ASEAN will also look to hold more regular summits.

ASEAN does not have a permanent office in New York. As such, the current ASEAN Chair’s Permanent Mission to the UN will represent ASEAN’s interests in the General Assembly.

• Click here for more information on the resolutions
• Click here to download the Resolution Adopted by the General Assembly - Cooperation between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
• Click here to download the Resolution Adopted by the General Assembly - Observer Status for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the General Assembly