Today the Asia Pacific community finds itself in a world of uncertainty. Our economic recovery has been slowed plagued by rising inflation, making it harder for everyday individuals to afford the basic necessities of life. The global rules- based international order is threatened by war, such as in Ukraine, waged by the imperial and nationalistic ambitions of one man. These effects are felt in the Asia Pacific region as well.
The effects of climate change are real for those whose communities have been hit by calamity. Deep Ssea Mmining, and the destruction of wildlife accelerate the environmental effects of degradation.
Authoritarian and anti-democratic practices are used differently by regimes to undermine democracy, including by rewriting their nation’s history with tools of disinformation always at hand, and strengthening cults of personality. This includes Marcos in the Philippines, Modi in India and the military in Myanmar and Thailand.
Authoritarian rulers continue to strengthen their cults of personality. Anti-democratic rulers from Marcos in the Philippines and, Modi in India to, the military in Mmyanmar andin Tthailand, all seek to rewrite their nation’s history with tools of disinformation always at hand.
In the midst of uncertainty, the Asia Pacific Committee calls for solidarity. Only through robust cooperation among our organizations can meaningful action be initiated.
Asia Pacific Committee firmly resolves:
1) To condemn all wars of conquest, especially the war on Ukraine which seeks to violate the sovereignty of free nations, and to commit to supporting Ukraine’s needs.
2) To support a stronger emphasis on ocean conservation initiatives, including comprehensive prohibitions of Deep Sea Mining, bottom trawling, and all extractive ocean industries that disrupt ecosystems.
3) To fight for stronger action on all causes and effects of climate change, and for the rights of those affected through a just transition and compassionate refugee policy.
4) To emphatically condemn authoritarian regimes, and all systems that empower them, in the Asia-Pacific and globally.
5) To condemn the junta in Myanmar and the murder of young activists under their regime.
6) To condemn the violations of Taiwanese sovereignty and territorial integrity by the PRC.
7) To condemn the PRC authoritarian rule in Tibet and demand the immediate end to arbitrary arrest and detention of Tibetans.
8) To support calls to uphold the sovereignty of the Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea.
9) To actively support measures to maintain the integrity of a free press, and to combat disinformation and misinformation.
10) To raise awareness of the globally decreasing social and economic power of younger generations, and the readjustment of power in workplaces, wealth and politics required to ensure resilience against intergenerational challenges.