ASEAN and UNU have been collaborating since 1998 on a variety of activities and projects aimed at strengthening sustainable development, including those on synergy and coordination in the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, bio-safety (particularly the safety of genetically modified organisms), urban environmental governance, and better management of protected areas. The new MoU seeks to build upon these past achievements and further strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and UNU.

ASEAN, as it endeavours to establish the ASEAN Community by 2020, is striving for a "clean and green" ASEAN with fully established mechanisms for sustainable development to ensure protection of the region's environment, sustainability of its natural resources, and a high quality of life for its people. Secretary-General Ong stated during the signing ceremony that ASEAN and its 10 Member Countries are fully aware of the need for a good balance between economic growth and sustainable development. "ASEAN, therefore, welcomes the growing ties and collaboration with UNU," he said, especially in research and capacity building in the various technical issues concerning sustainable development, and trade and environment."

UNU Rector van Ginkel noted that UNU has the expertise and good connections with top-level universities and research institutes around the world to support ASEAN in its efforts to achieve growth with sustainable development. He pointed out the necessity for ASEAN Member Countries to have a good understanding of all pertinent issues in trade and environment, and to develop their capacity to negotiate these issues effectively in international forums.

ASEAN and UNU will explore new areas of collaboration, such as training in ASEAN Member Countries, an ASEAN-UNU lecture series at the ASEAN Secretariat and in ASEAN Member Countries, and fellowships for ASEAN scholars to conduct advanced research at UNU Institute of Advanced Studies in Yokohama. UNU-IAS specializes in research on biodiplomacy, science, and technology for developing countries; urban ecosystems; sustainable development governance; and education for sustainable development. Secretary-General Ong and Rector van Ginkel agreed to look into the possibility of tripartite cooperation among ASEAN, UNU, and ASEAN's Dialogue Partners (particularly Japan, Australia, and New Zealand) to support establishment of the ASEAN-UNU fellowship programme on sustainable development.