The ASEAN region spans an area of some 5.3 million square km where 13 official languages are spoken and about seven religions adhered to. Its geographical terrain is as diverse as its peoples, the lifeways it supports and the accompanying myriad of cultures.

Beyond national boundaries and the din of these apparent differences, however, a common stream flows through the consciousness of the ASEAN peoples. These similarities are borne out not only in their culture, arts, and temperament, but also in their common aspirations - that of securing the "blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity " as espoused in the ASEAN Declaration of 1967.

A generation's worth of time, effort and energy have been expended under the ASEAN auspices to secure for the citizens of ASEAN these blessings.