ASEAN’s regional cooperation on social welfare and development is overseen by the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD). Composed of senior government officials representing the national ministries in-charge of social welfare and development, SOMSWD’s mandate is to implement ASEAN’s commitment to fostering cooperation in social development aimed at raising the standard of living of disadvantaged groups and seek the active involvement of all sectors of society. SOMSWD supports and reports to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD). Composed of ministers incharge of social and development in all ASEAN Member States, the AMMSWD sets the strategic policy direction on ASEAN’s regional cooperation on social welfare and development.

The work plan for 2021-2025 is crucial for two reasons. First, this is the last plan to be implemented under the ASEAN SocialCultural Community Blueprint 2025 which has been the main framework for SOMSWD work for 10 years. Second, and most importantly, the plan will be implemented during a period of unprecedented challenges and transformations. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic require a revaluation of development priorities and strategies while offering the opportunity of “building back better”. This is particularly relevant for SOMSWD given that the pandemic has revealed significant shortcomings in many existing social welfare systems