This is the first meeting in 2024 with the participation of Ministers, Heads of Delegations in charge of the Socio-Cultural Community of 10 ASEAN member countries, and the Secretary General of ASEAN. A delegation from Timor Leste participated in the conference as observers.

This year's conference has the theme "ASEAN: Promoting Connectivity and Resilience" and received strong support from representatives of countries. 2024 is considered an important time in building the Community, with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 to transition to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Vietnam To Coordinate In Implementing Initiatives Under The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Photo: VNA

The Conference looks forward to realizing the priorities of the Culture and Society pillar in 2024 including: (i) Culture and Arts: Promoting the role of ASEAN Culture and Arts for inclusion and sustainability; (ii) Promoting environmental cooperation: Adapting to climate change; (iii) Women and Children: Promoting the role of women and children to transform action in the ASEAN region, and (iv) Health: Resilience for ASEAN health development in the new context.

The Conference also recognized the importance of further strengthening the ASEAN identity and emphasized civilizational values and diverse cultures and religions.

Speaking at the conference, Luu Quang Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, Head of the Vietnamese delegation appreciated the priorities of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community launched in 2024.

He believes that the results in 2024, under the leadership of the Lao Presidency, will make an important contribution to regional cooperation, affirming the prestige, position, and role of ASEAN in the region and on the international stage.

Vietnam also agrees with the orientations focusing on sustainable development, strengthening cultural and artistic cooperation, and promoting the role of women and children. Luu Quang Tuan affirmed that, in addition to supporting the role of Chairman of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community in 2024, Vietnam is ready to support in implementing initiatives and priorities in specialized fields, including prevention and eliminating child labor, declaration on mobility, mutual recognition and vocational skills development for migrant workers, and guidelines, regional assessment reports as well as the organization of several important activities.

Throughout the conference, Ministers and Heads of delegations from other ASEAN member countries also shared their views in response to this year's theme. Malaysia, as Vice Chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, has launched activities towards a comprehensive sustainable community in the next 20 years and promoted culture and art exchanges with other countries.

Luu Quang Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, Head of the Vietnamese delegation attending the Conference. Photo: VNA

Cambodia prioritizes promoting and realizing the women, peace, and security agenda at the national level, as well as preserving the cultural heritage and encouraging the sharing of experiences between countries.

The Philippines prioritizes ensuring environmental sustainability, preventing and responding to natural disasters, and food security.

Singapore will promote the role of culture and family-related issues, especially women and children, and share that it is co-chairing with Vietnam to build the ASEAN Roadmap on Stopping Bullying.

The Indonesian government is interested in addressing transboundary haze pollution, climate change, and issues related to migrant workers.

At the end of the conference, the Ministers and Heads of Delegation issued a Joint Statement and agreed to approve the List of Documents and Declarations of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The document will be presented at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits later this year. The Ministers and Heads of delegations also agreed on the content of the Report of the 31st ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Conference to present to ASEAN leaders.

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