Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

As the central regional body for political and economic cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a critical role in the collective security and transnational regulations in Southeast Asia. While founded on the principles of regional diplomacy, non-interference, and multilateral cooperation, ASEAN has faced new challenges ranging from organized crime and trafficking networks to economic instability caused by shifting global markets and geopolitical tensions. Through existing frameworks such as the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), member states will work to strengthen regional resilience while protecting their national sovereignty. This committee will focus on combating transnational crime and trafficking along regional and member states’ borders while also addressing how ASEAN can promote stronger economic integration and economic power in an increasingly competitive and uncertain global environment.

Topic one: Combating Transnational Crime and Trafficking Along Regional and Member States’ Borders

  • Delegates will debate how ASEAN should balance national sovereignty with stronger regional enforcement against trafficking and organized crime (with possibility for growing cyber-crime networks as well)

  • They will evaluate the role of intelligence sharing with border security cooperation and regional law enforcement initiatives in combating this transnational crime

  • Delegates may propose expanded ASEAN security mechanisms with concerns regarding state autonomy and regional intervention 

topic two: How to Promote and Strengthen Economic Power and Integration as a Region

  • Delegates will evaluate the benefits and risks of emerging industries such as deep-sea resource extraction and green energy manufacturing as tools for regional economic growth (with environmental sustainability in mind)

  • They may propose new trade initiatives, infrastructure partnerships, and economic cooperation frameworks to reduce regional disparities and increase ASEAN’s collective global influence.