Inclusive Ethnic Groups for ASEAN Sustainable Development

Abstract

Diversity among ethnic groups is one element of ASEAN’s identity. Members of ethnic groups are entitled to the same rights as everyone else in each member country. Even though ASEAN is committed to the SDGs, member countries are not on track to achieve many of the 17 SDGs by the year 2030. Ethnic groups are acting as agents, recipients, and beneficiaries of ASEAN government policies, so each member-country should ensure ethnic group participation in policy-making in order that “no one is left behind”. This article presents some of the challenges and opportunities related to the ethnic groups of ASEAN, namely: 1) “Know us, know them”; 2) mother-tongue based instruction to prevent “linguistic genocide”; 3) encouraging ethnic group communities to document their Indigenous knowledge; 4) promoting and learning from the ethnic groups’ local wisdom for sustainable environmental preservation; 5) addressing the challenges and opportunities for the ethnic groups in achieving sustainable development; and 6) recognizing the contributions of ethnic group women as eco-protectors. With vigorous and serious cooperation among stakeholders, positive changes and sustainable development is possible. Moreover, ethnic group diversity and their distinct identities in ASEAN will be maintained, promoted, and strengthened by the affirmative policies of member-country governments. Cultural identity and diversity are applied in this analysis.