As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and global instability, the 10th Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (10th FEALAC FMM) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marked a significant turning point in the region's diplomatic efforts. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, H.E. Arrmanatha C. Nasir, underscored the importance of multilateralism as a guiding principle to navigate international relations amid today’s complex global challenges. This renewed emphasis on cooperation is crucial for global stability, as it seeks to foster trust and collaboration among nations in the face of increasing uncertainty.
The past 25 years have witnessed significant growth and evolution in FEALAC, with the organization expanding its membership from six countries in 1999 to 36 today. The Forum has become a key platform for dialogue and cooperation across various fields, including politics, economy, socio-cultural exchange, science and technology, and the environment, between East Asia and Latin America. This growth is underscored by the increasing importance of inter-regional partnerships in addressing global challenges.
Historically, FEALAC has played a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between East Asia and Latin America. The organization's founding in 1999 was motivated by the need for greater regional integration and cooperation in response to the Asian financial crisis. Over the years, FEALAC has demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing global circumstances, with a renewed focus on sustainability, climate change, and social development.
Key stakeholders, including Indonesia, Chile, and Vietnam, have played pivotal roles in shaping FEALAC's agenda. These countries have been instrumental in promoting regional cooperation, investing in human capacity building, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. The role of regional institutions, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), has also been critical in supporting FEALAC's objectives.
The Ulaanbaatar Declaration, adopted at the 10th FEALAC FMM, outlines a forward-looking vision for the organization. The document reaffirms member states' commitment to uphold multilateralism and international law, while emphasizing the need for strengthened institutional frameworks, expanded cooperation on climate change and sustainable development goals (SDGs), and enhanced relevance for societies at large.
The declaration's call for a FEALAC caucus in New York to accelerate discussions on UN reform reflects the organization's ambition to stand at the forefront of multilateral reform. This initiative underscores the importance of inter-regional partnerships in promoting global governance and strengthening the multilateral system.
As the world continues to navigate complex global challenges, the resurgence of multilateralism in East Asia-Latin America cooperation is a positive development. FEALAC's renewed emphasis on regional integration, people-to-people exchanges, and sustainable development has the potential to foster greater trust and collaboration among nations. By embracing this vision, countries can work together to address shared challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
Experts predict that FEALAC's growth and influence will continue to expand in the coming years. As the organization deepens its engagement with regional institutions and UN reform initiatives, it is likely to play a key role in shaping global governance and promoting multilateralism. In the short term, the next six months are expected to witness increased cooperation on climate change, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and regional security challenges.
In the long term, FEALAC's commitment to strengthening its institutional framework, enhancing member states' ownership of its shared objectives, and expanding its relevance for societies at large will likely yield significant dividends. By 2025, the organization is expected to have established a robust institutional framework, strengthened its relationships with regional institutions, and become a key player in shaping global governance.
As policymakers, journalists, and educated readers reflect on the significance of FEALAC's resurgence, it is essential to recognize the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. By fostering greater trust and collaboration among nations, we can work towards a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.