ASEAN to Name Permanent Special Envoy for Myanmar

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The leaders of the ASEAN have reached a consensus to appoint a long-term and permanent special envoy who will dedicate full time to addressing the crisis in Myanmar on behalf of the regional organization.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn revealed that the situation in Myanmar became one of the two main focuses of the leaders' discussions during their retreat, marking an escalation of regional diplomatic efforts.

Kao Kim Hourn said the leaders now believe there is a united consensus to appoint a long-term or permanent special envoy for Myanmar. He made this statement during a press briefing at the ASEAN Secretariat office on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

This decision is based on the experiences of various ASEAN countries that have led diplomatic efforts in Myanmar, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and now Malaysia.

The special envoy to be appointed is expected to dedicate full time and focus entirely on working in Myanmar on behalf of ASEAN. This is a progressive step from the previous approach, which relied on leadership rotation among member states.

The ASEAN Secretary-General stated they are looking for someone who will dedicate their time to working specifically in Myanmar on behalf of ASEAN.

In addition to the appointment of a special envoy, the leaders also called for a permanent ceasefire in response to the ongoing violence in Myanmar. They also urged for unhindered humanitarian assistance.

The leaders are considering ways to improve humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar, who are suffering from a prolonged conflict.

Under Malaysia's leadership, there has been ongoing dialogue involving various stakeholders, including members of the ruling government and other individuals outside of Myanmar.

Kao Kim Hourn said there is an intensification of diplomatic efforts to engage, indicating an intensification of ASEAN's diplomatic efforts.

Kao Kim Hourn stated that appointing a special envoy is not new to ASEAN, but rather a "building block" from years of experience dealing with the Myanmar crisis.

This decision reflects ASEAN's long-term commitment to resolving the Myanmar crisis through more focused and sustained diplomacy.

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