The 14th ASEAN Summit is the first ASEAN Summit

The 14th ASEAN Summit is the first ASEAN Summit after the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter. To enhance people's participation in the ASEAN Community building process, Thailand is organizing four sideline activities which would provide a platform for key stakeholders to exchange views on ASEAN-related matters with those at the decision making levels of ASEAN. These four groups include representatives from ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Youths, Civil Society Organizations and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

Thailand is organizing three Informal Dialogues between ASEAN Heads of State/Government (HOS/G) with representatives from ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Youths and ASEAN Civil Society Organizations as well as with ABAC on 28 February 2009 between 11.30-14.00 hrs. at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel.

Discussions during the Informal Dialogue between ASEAN HOS/G with AIPA representatives will center on ways and means to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and AIPA. With ASEAN Youths, ASEAN HOS/G will be presented with the youths' views on their role in promoting ASEAN Community 2015. In the past few years, ASEAN civil society organizations have played a role in providing recommendations with regard to the drafting of the ASEAN Charter. It is expected that the discussions between ASEAN HOS/G and representatives from ASEAN CSOs will be constructive and fruitful with regard to ASEAN-related issues such as the three Communities, ASEAN Human Rights Body and how to increase consultation and cooperation between government and CSOs. During lunch on 28 February 2009, ASEAN HOS/G will discuss with the private and public organizations the ways and means to support business operations for ASEAN Companies in the region