Overview

Non-traditional security (NTS) issues continue to threaten the well-being of nations and communities in Asia and around the world. Multilateral cooperation, efficient and timely deployment of resources, and a long-term vision of sustainable development are needed to address ever-complex and transboundary implications of these threats, ranging from climate change and disasters to mass movement of people in search of refuge and safety. Given that traditional, state-led multilateralism is in retreat, a more sustainable approach to multilateral cooperation is critically needed, requiring the collaborative participation and engagement of multiple state and non-state actors, from local communities, civil society organisations, the private sector, regional organisations, and other international agencies.

The Annual Conference of the Consortium of Non-Traditional Security in Asia (NTS-Asia), held in Singapore on 25-26 March 2019, examined the need to advance multisectoral multilateralism to comprehensively address a number of NTS challenges including, among others, irregular and forced migration, climate change, digital threats, economic inequality and social fragmentation. This report is a summary of recommendations put forward at the NTS-Asia Conference towards promoting deeper multilateral cooperation in NTS governance and highlights its relevance to Asia, including the ASEAN region.