AsiaDHRRA initiated a series of brainstorming sessions among fellow CSOs engaging ASEAN as a platform to promote sustainable rural development. The sessions focused on the sharing of plans vis-à-vis ASEAN advocacy; concerns/ gaps or areas to strengthen in own work vis-à-vis current engagement; areas for possible cooperation and identifying possible next steps/activities.
The idea of strengthening the networking among groups keen on pursuing advocacy and engagement with ASEAN was further heightened by the fact that ASEAN is becoming rules-based, with a Charter scheduled for signing in November. A clearer bases of unity and agenda is deemed helpful in CSO posturing before ASEAN.
Initial commitments to see thru the brainstorming process have been expressed by representatives from AFA, APFNS, SEAFish, EARWG, AAI, and individual rural development advocates. Two sessions took place in October, a related session dovetailed to regional a workshop in early November 2007.