The APSC shall promote political development in adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of
law and good governance, respect for and promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as inscribed in the ASEAN Charter. It shall be a means by which ASEAN Member States can
pursue closer interaction and cooperation to forge shared norms and create common mechanisms to
achieve ASEAN’s goals and objectives in the political and security fields. In this regard, it promotes a
people-oriented ASEAN in which all sectors of society, regardless of gender, race, religion, language,
or social and cultural background, are encouraged to participate in, and benefit from, the process of
ASEAN integration and community building. In the implementation of, the Blueprint, ASEAN should also
strive towards promoting and supporting gender-mainstreaming, tolerance, respect for diversity, equality
and mutual understanding.