JAKARTA, 22 August 2024– The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community commences the End-Term Review of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 (ETR) with an Inception Workshop held today via video conference.
The Inception Workshop allowed key stakeholders of the ASCC to exchange views and recommendations on the overall approach and framework of the ETR, and determine the ways forward for a more strategic implementation of the ETR. It was attended by more than 100 participants from the Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC, ASCC Sectoral Bodies, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
In his welcome remarks, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASCC Ekkaphab Phanthavong highlighted the importance of the Inception Workshop which is a significant step in the review of ASCC Blueprint 2025 and ASCC’s collective efforts in showcasing ASCC milestones and accomplishments, as well as allow for drawing lessons and good practices that could influence the ASCC beyond 2025.
DSG Phanthavong also underscored several milestones of the ASCC including the adoption of 103 ASCC Declarations which contributes to ASCC’s goal on improving the well-being and quality of life of the ASEAN people, and highlighted the ongoing effort of the ASCC in investing on data management particularly with the launch and operationalisation of the ASCC Database for Monitoring and Evaluation System which ensures data-driven and evidence-based planning and decision-making within ASCC.
Michael Costa, Program Director of the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiatives, in his remarks highlighted Australia’s longstanding connections of ASEAN and Australia especially in supporting key ASEAN initiatives to ensure economic, environmental, and social benefits for all across the region. He also emphasised the importance of the ETR in helping ASEAN better understand the effectiveness of strategies employed, the overall impact on member states, and any practices that might be crucial in informing the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan. This will ensure that ASEAN remains responsive to emerging trends and continuously addressing socio-cultural issues effectively.
The ETR is designed to assess the implementation and progress of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 with a focus on creating a socio-cultural Community that engages and benefits ASEAN’s people while promoting inclusivity, resilience, sustainability, and dynamism. It serves as an essential tool for understanding whether the programs and initiatives implemented under the ASCC Blueprint 2025 are achieving their intended goals and objectives through data and insights into the performance and outcome of these programs and initiatives.
It also aims to enable stakeholders to make informed decision pertaining to ASCC priorities and initiatives including funding, resource allocation and fostering continuous learning within the ASCC Pillar.
Altamont Group has been engaged to complete the ETR which is supported by the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4ASEAN Futures) through the Project “End-Term Review of the Implementation of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025”.
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