Kuala Lumpur (VNA)ܫ – Ministers of Law, Justice, and Attorneys-General from 10 ASEAN member states on August 21 adopted a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to promoting international commercial arbitration and mediation as tools for economic development, legal cooperation and expanding access to justice at the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

The joint statement emphasised the importance of harmonising arbitration and mediation frameworks across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in alignment with international standards. A robust legal infrastructure for dispute resolution is essential for attracting investment, promoting trade, and strengthening economic growth in the region, the statement read. The ministers recognised the need for greater collaboration among the ASEAN nations and with international and regional partners, including knowledge-sharing platforms and capacity-building initiatives. These would target the upskilling of policymakers, legal professionals, and dispute resolution practitioners to meet the region’s evolving needs in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In a notable move, the joint statement also addressed the transformative role of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving ADR mechanisms. The ministers supported the use of AI-powered platforms to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure evidence-based and impartial decision-making, while also underscoring the importance of responsible AI use, data privacy, and human oversight. The statement called for the use of AI to streamline case management and facilitate equitable outcomes, while upholding transparency, impartiality, and the rule of law. The ministers also reaffirmed the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and public trust in legal processes. By strengthening regional frameworks for arbitration and mediation, the ministers aim to improve access to justice, support sustainable development, and reinforce ASEAN’s position in the global legal and economic landscape. The declaration concluded with a unified pledge to build an inclusive, resilient, and dynamic ASEAN community, anchored on the principles of justice, economic prosperity, and long-term stability. According to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, the joint statement ensures that the region’s frameworks meet the practical needs of businesses, while reinforcing ASEAN’s role as a trusted partner in the global economy. He stressed that ASEAN must equip itself with robust frameworks to resolve disputes in an increasingly interdependent global trade environment. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said stressed that the statement is a message to the world that ASEAN is open for business, united in justice, and committed to inclusivity. The three-day forum brought together 58 speakers and moderators in 15 expert-led sessions, with more than 300 participants from ASEAN and beyond. Discussions covered alternative dispute resolution, commercial and business law reform and human rights./.