BALI, 8 May 2023 – ASCC Council Ministers and representatives convened today for the 29th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting to discuss strategic issues and directions for the ASCC.
Dr Muhadjir Effendy, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture for Indonesia and ASCC Council Chair, briefed the meeting on key ASCC priorities under the theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth. Ministers from the ASCC Council, representatives from ASEAN Member States, and Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn in return reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with the ASCC Council Chair to realise the priorities under Indonesia’s Chairmanship.
The council reaffirmed the importance of working together to facilitate an inclusive post-pandemic recovery and to advance ASEAN’s community-building efforts. As the region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the council welcomed the priority to strengthen the regional health architecture and commended the inclusion of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on One Health Initiative in the list of outcome documents for adoption in the 42nd ASEAN Summit.
Strengthening social protection for migrant workers, especially those in crisis situations, is also a priority under Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year. The council welcomed the development of the ASEAN Declaration on Migrant Workers and Family Members in Crisis Situations and the ASEAN Declaration on the Placement and Protection of Migrant Fishers, both of which reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to better safeguard and strengthen migrant workers’ resilience.
Another key deliverable under the ASCC Pillar is the strengthening of village cooperation. The ASEAN’s Leaders’ Statement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Village Network will accelerate village development and introduce a region-wide network in which villages can exchange knowledge and explore partnership opportunities.
“The initiatives to be adopted and noted by our Leaders this year reflect ASCC’s relevance and strong leadership in ensuring ASEAN remains on course to deliver people-oriented and people-centred initiatives despite challenging times,” said Dr Kao. The council commended the efforts of ASCC Sectoral Bodies in delivering the outcome documents which will be adopted in the 42nd ASEAN Summit.
The council also welcomed Timor-Leste Vice-Minister of Social Solidarity Signi Chandrawati Verdial’s involvement in the meeting as an observer and reiterated its support for Timor-Leste’s preparations to join ASEAN.
The 29th ASCC Council Meeting is held back-to-back with the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings scheduled on 9-11 May in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
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