Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn delivered pre-recorded opening remarks during the session ‘‘Rethinking Globalization in a Divided World” at the Asian Network Signature Conference: “Rethinking Harmony in Asia,” which was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 27 September 2024. In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the role of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), especially through its principle of inclusiveness in aligning the interests of countries across the region. He also highlighted ASEAN’s continuous efforts to utilise diplomacy to address the complexities of various regional issues.  He further shared some key lessons from past global crises to strengthen future global responses and collaboration, and also stressed the need to keep pace with the tools used to deal with current and future challenges amidst a rapidly-changing world.