the future development of the arf: enhancing cooperative structures & mechanisms for cbms and pd...
TRANSCRIPT
The future development of the ARF: enhancing cooperative structures
& mechanisms for CBMs and PD
Presentation by:
Wong Chow Ming,
Singapore
History of the ARF: An exercise in confidence building• Background behind the formation of the ARF
-- born after cold war, need for multilateral security dialogue
-- building of trust and development of norms
• Why possible?
-- confidence building activities
-- responsive to new/emerging security issues
The present ARF: a forum in transition
Decision to move into PD in 2005 Strides towards concrete cooperation
-- Table Top exercises-- ARF Guidelines on Disaster Relief Cooperation
Why important?-- Build inter-operability, familiarity
Accomplishment considering diversities of ARF members
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review
Desk Top and SOPs important, but not sufficient for PD
Hence, undertaking the ARF Review-- Stocktake on current achivements-- Chart out future direction
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (II)
Internal and External factors driving review-- External: regional environment, security challenges increasingly multi-faceted, ARF no longer the only game in town-- Internal: expansion, divergent interests
•Review to address these issues, as well as to brainstorm on ways to revitalize the forum.
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (III)
a) Roles of ASEAN and non-ASEAN - ASEAN as primary driving force, but lack
resources- Vital role of non-ASEAN ARF participants
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (IV)
b) Focus on key areas
Diffused and lacking in focus Focus on a few key areas,
i.e. counter-terrorism, disaster management, non-proliferation & disarmament, and maritime security
Already two ISMs established
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (V)
c)Enhance concrete practical cooperation
Seminars and workshops build confidence
But need concrete cooperation such as joint exercises
Movement towards real exercises involving real assets
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (VI)
d) Streamline decision-making processes.
Routine activities to be passed to SOM for approval
Urgent meetings to be convened through ad-referendum approval
Working Methods proposal
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (VII)
Other recommendations:- strengthen Chair and ARF Unit
--Sec-Gen as ex officio member of FOC- maintain “flexible moratorium” on
membership- enhance cooperation with Track II and
external organizations List not exhaustive-- PD Study and ARF Review
recommendations- basis of ARF Vision Statement
The future of the ARF: the ARF Review (VIII)
27 members, consensus no easy feat
Review should be bold and visionary
Trick is to achieve a balance
THANK YOUTHANK YOU