The Asia Forward Series Explores Asia’s Role in a Fragmented Global Order 

A summary of the speech by Professor Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of Chulalongkorn University Council:

The speech, delivered at the Third Asia Forward Series, discusses navigating a fragmented world and Asia’s role in the changing global order. The speaker acknowledges the accelerating pace and complexity of global transformation, where institutions for international cooperation are challenged by rising nationalism, economic fragmentation, and geopolitical rivalry. Amidst this uncertainty, the goal is to imagine a world that could be and how Asia can help lead the way.

As Chairman of Chulalongkorn University Council and a former diplomat, Professor Dr. Sathirathai speaks as an Asian who believes in regional unity and principled leadership. He highlights that Asia is not just about rising economies and youth, but also a reservoir of civilizations, philosophies, and partnerships that can offer new models for coexistence, cooperation, and peace.

The international order established after World War II, designed to prevent conflict and foster progress through institutions like the UN, Bretton Woods institutions, and WTO, is currently “fraying”. Multilateralism is being overshadowed by unilateralism, transactional diplomacy, and short-term strategic thinking, leading to a breakdown of common norms. However, this fragmentation also presents an opportunity to imagine new structures, and Asia is positioned to lead towards renewed internationalism. This requires reframing power beyond just military or economic might to include the capacity to convene, collaborate, and cultivate trust.

Drawing inspiration from the 1955 Bandung Conference, the speech recalls how 29 nations affirmed sovereignty, rejected colonialism, and offered an alternative to Cold War polarization, asserting Asia and Africa as authors of their own futures. The spirit of Bandung remains relevant today, advocating for Asia to be a zone of imaginative diplomacy, dialogue, and embracing diversity as a strength.

Asia’s strategic role should rest on three principles: Resilience, Solidarity, and Multilateralism.

• Resilience involves building regional frameworks to absorb shocks like pandemics, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. This includes integrated, secure, and green supply chains, sustainable practices, strong healthcare systems, and ethical technological innovation. Cultural resilience, drawing strength from history, values, social bonds, languages, and traditions, is also crucial.
• Solidarity begins within Asia by deepening trust across governments, communities, civil society, and youth networks. It means using platforms like ASEAN, ACD, RCEP, and the East Asia Summit with empathy and commitment to equity, ensuring economic growth benefits all, bridging the digital divide, investing in human capital, and empowering marginalized groups. Solidarity should also extend to the Global South, fostering cooperation based on mutual learning and shared solutions.
• Multilateralism must be championed by Asia as it is necessary in a fractured world. This involves strengthening institutions like the WTO through reforms and using regional frameworks to raise standards beyond just trade. Multilateralism is seen as a mindset that believes the future is best secured together.

Thailand is highlighted as a middle power that has historically acted as a bridge. Its leadership in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue and commitment to peacebuilding demonstrate how thoughtful action can make a difference. Peace is described as a continuous process rooted in justice, cultural understanding, and social inclusion. Thailand’s proximity gives it a unique role in facilitating peaceful solutions, such as in Myanmar. The country seeks engagement, not dominance.

Professor Dr. Sathirathai emphasizes the rising Global South, which is now central to the planet’s future and must play a leading role in addressing global challenges. The call is for the Global South to move from being rule-takers to rule-makers and to be at the table of global decision-making with dignity and purpose through co-creation, not confrontation.

Finally, Professor Dr. Sathirathai concludes with a call to action, noting that disorder is a beginning and Asia has a rare opportunity to shape the future. The key question is not if there will be a new world order, but who will shape it and how. This involves everyone, especially the youth. The message is for Asia to lead through meaning, not might; shape change; build new solidarities; move towards integration; stand together; connect; and move forward with clarity, conviction, and care.