'ASEAN model' of innovation hailed as key to meeting SDGs

Southeast Asia offers concrete proof that novel and localized models can help solve some of the most pressing social and development problems, a senior official said on Thursday.

According to Kung Phoak, Association of Southeast Asian Nations' deputy secretary-general for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, local communities, social enterprises and nonprofit groups in ASEAN have shown that inclusive innovation is the key to meeting sustainable development goals, or SDGs.

The SDGs, which were approved in 2015 by 193 member states of the United Nations, aim to address the world's most pressing problems by 2030. The 17 goals include ending poverty and hunger, reducing maternal deaths and providing universal access to basic education.