The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Department of the ASEAN Secretariat has held a strategic planning workshop in Bogor, Indonesia, in preparation for the ASEAN Community in 2015.

The three-day workshop assessed the ASCC Department’s capacity, roles and opportunities in assisting the implementation of the roadmap to the ASEAN Community by 2015, specifically the ASCC Blueprint.

Participants at the workshop undertook organisational analysis as well as discussed implementation results and strategic plan at all levels of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Key measures discussed include setting clearer directions and focus areas for greater implementation and visibility; strengthening intra-department as well as inter-pillar coordination; and initiating and sustaining learning and growth opportunities for the staff.

The workshop is part of the Department’s overall efforts to enhance implementation, oversight and monitoring of the ASEAN Blueprint.

A mid-term review of the implementation of the ASCC Blueprint, to be undertaken this year, will assess the ASCC’s progress towards the realisation of an ASEAN Community by 2015.-VNA