47TH ASEAN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN BUENOS AIRES
The ASEAN 47th anniversary was held at Manuel Belgrano Auditorium, MFA Argentina in downtown Buenos Aires on Friday, 8 August 2014. The celebration was initiated by Malaysia and was co-organized by ASEAN Embassies in Buenos Aires, through ASEAN Working Committee and MFA Argentina.
2. More than 250 people attended the event comprising officials from MFA Argentina, diplomatic corps, media and ASEAN communities in Buenos Aires. A short remark was given by HE Dr. Nirmala Kartini, the Ambassador of Indonesia who is also Dean of ASEAN Embassies followed by remark from the representative of Argentinean government, Amb. Maria Perez Colman, Sub-Secretary for Foreign Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cultural and Worship, Argentina. The Friday´s event also includes the prize giving ceremony for 2nd ASEAN Essay Contest, opened to school and university students. The winners were selected by panel of judges consisting of ASEAN Ambassadors, ASEAN Working Committee and ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chamber of Commerce. The winners of each category received USD 250 and a certificate. This year saw 2 winners from high school and another two university graduates students. Six universities and 10 schools took part in the contest.
3. The ASEAN Ambassadors had a photo session together with the Argentinean representative Amb. Maria Perez Colman followed by cultural performances by representatives from Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines. The event ended with a cocktail reception where each ASEAN embassies contributed their national dish. Malaysia served satay with peanut sauce.
4. The event was also covered by the local media and selected magazines.
5. The event was meaningful and the turnout is a testimony that Argentineans are much aware about ASEAN and its contributions. Having said that, Mission foresees that we still need to continue to increase awareness about ASEAN and ASEAN Community 2015 in Buenos Aires.
6. Overall, though the budget were limited, but with proper planning, contacts and good networking, the ASEAN Working Committee managed to organized this event successfully.