ASEAN as the name suggests is operative in the Southeast Asian region. It aims to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development. The Asean Declaration states that, "The aims and purposes of the Association are: (i) to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations, and (ii) to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter." In 1995, it was also reaffirmed that "Cooperative peace and shared prosperity shall be the fundamental goals of ASEAN."
Some specialized bodies of the ASEAN are ASEAN University Network, ASEAN-EC Management Center, ASEAN Center for Energy, ASEAN Poultry Research and Training Center, ASEAN Rural Youth Development Center, ASEAN Tourism Information Center etc. An ASEAN Summit is convened every year.
