Ministers of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council broke tradition and convened in an online meeting yesterday, ahead of the upcoming 36th ASEAN Summit.
Adapting to the ‘new normal’, the ministers met virtually to continue leading socio-cultural cooperation in ASEAN. The meeting of Senior Officials Committee for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community also took place virtually on 22 June.
ASCC Council ministers extended their full support for Viet Nam’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 priorities. They endorsed the ‘Declaration on Human Resources Development for the Changing World of Work’ to be adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the upcoming Summit.
The ministers appreciated the establishment of the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council, and regional initiatives for the promotion of public health, social work, marine environment cooperation and women’s empowerment.
They also exchanged views on key priorities in the ASCC pillar and encouraged further collaboration for the regional coordinated response to COVID-19, particularly in mitigating its adverse socio-economic impacts on the poor and vulnerable.
They are optimistic about the progress of the Mid-Term Review of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 and look forward to its main findings for submission to the 37th ASEAN Summit in November.
*******
