In celebration of the 40^th founding anniversary of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and in time for the 13^th ASEAN Summit in November 2007 chaired by Singapore, the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN ISIS) will convene the Sixth ASEAN People’s Assembly (APA), scheduled for 24-25 October in Manila.

 Purpose:

The Sixth APA will bring together representatives from various civil society groups, academe and think tank institutions, and key policy-makers in Southeast Asia and other regions that have an interest in promoting people-centered development in the process of ASEAN community building.  Participants from other regions are also invited to share their own experiences in promoting people-centered development and exchange ideas with Southeast Asian movers of community building in the region.

 Issues:

Plenary and panel presentations and discussions will be conducted on a range of issues and concerns affecting peoples of Southeast Asia, including terrorism and transnational security problems, peace and social conflict, media and press freedom, regional human rights mechanism, human security and human development, security sector reform and governance, and ASEAN Community building, among others. This year’s APA will also focus on good practices in people-centered community building in various parts of Southeast Asia and beyond.

 Support:

The APA hosts will cover the costs of participation of a good number of participants from Southeast Asia, particularly role players in panels accepted by the organizers, especially those from financially-challenged groups and sectors.

 Agenda and Participation:

In order to ensure the widest possible participation, interested parties and civil society groups are invited to propose agenda topics and/or organize ASEAN- or region-wide panels, including possible role players for APA 2007. Please submit your proposed topics and/or panels by 15 July 2007.  You may visit the APA website (www.asean-isis-aseanpeoplesassembly.net) or contact the APA hosts through the following:

Institute for Strategic and Development Studies (ISDS) 40-E Maalalahanin Street, Teachers Village East Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 The Philippines Telephone: (632) 929-0889  Fax: 433-5039 Email:  isds@isdsphil.bayandsl.ph or  isdsphil@yahoo.com

ASEAN-ISIS Secretariat c/o Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Jalan Tanah Abang III/23-27, Jakarta, Indonesia Telephone: (6221) 386-5532 to 34 Fax: 384-7517 Email: csis@csis.or.id