The 19th Coordinating Conference on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (19th SOC-COM) was held via video conference in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on August 10. ASEAN SECRETARIAT
The recent 19th coordinating conference on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) was marked by collaboration, anticipation and strategic planning, according to the ASEAN secretariat.
The virtual conference – themed “Post-2025 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community” – brought together representatives from the committee of permanent representatives to ASEAN, senior members of the ASCC committee, ASEAN senior economic officials, as well as delegates from ASEAN sectoral bodies and entities, among others.
The August 10 meeting, held in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, concentrated on planning for the post-2025 ASEAN socio-cultural community.
“Specifically, the participants discussed ways to enable mechanisms, provide institutional support and engage stakeholders in the development of an attendant document for this community,” said the secretariat in a press release.
Examining both present and targeted conditions, the conference identified challenges, trends and options beyond 2025. The gathering shared best practices and strategies to enhance partnerships, engagement, and resources in support of the post-2025 ASCC. The emphasis on partnership was clear, reflecting a shared vision.
Ekkaphab Phanthavong, deputy secretary-general of the ASCC, emphasised the importance of united institutional support and stakeholder collaboration to address emerging challenges. His words pointed towards achieving a vibrant and resilient ASEAN socio-cultural community, fully engaged with regional and global opportunities.
Ambassador Chirachai Punkrasin, executive director of the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, highlighted the centre’s cooperative efforts. He stressed the significance of integrated support to initiatives that cross various sectors, underlining the ethos of cooperation and sustainable growth.
ASCC chair Joko Kusnanto Anggoro spoke about multi-stakeholder coordination and citizen involvement. He expressed his wish for the post-2025 ASCC document to ensure unity and alignment across three pillars, so the future of ASEAN corresponds with the needs of its people.
Inclusion and resilience were also underlined by Joko, as he articulated Indonesia’s primary objectives across the three pillars. These included the promotion of gender equality, disability-inclusive development and an approach to strengthen regional health resilience.
Key trends and issues highlighted during the meeting include digital transformation, climate change, health, disaster resilience and changes in the demographic landscape, according to the press release.
It was revealed that the recommendations, insights, and findings of the 19th coordinating conference on the ASCC would be officially submitted for review at the upcoming 35th ASCC meeting and the 30th ASCC council meeting.
