The 19th Coordinating Conference on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (19th SOC-COM) takes the the theme of “The Post-2025 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community”. (Photo: ASEAN Secretariat) The August 11 meeting brought together representatives fromthe Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, Senior Officials Committeefor the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA), ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting,ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting, as well as delegates from ASEANSectoral Bodies, ASEAN Entities, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The meeting discussed enabling mechanisms,institutional support, and stakeholder engagement; explored current and targetconditions, challenges and trends, and the target options beyond 2025; andfeatured best practices and strategies to promote partnerships, engagement, andresource mobilisation in support of the Post-2025 ASEAN Socio-CulturalCommunity.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Secretary-General ofASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Ekkaphab Phanthavong underscored thesignificance of collective institutional support and stakeholder engagement toaddress emerging challenges and to capitalise on regional and globalopportunities, ultimately achieving a robust and dynamic ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre forSustainable Development Studies and Dialogue Ambassador Chirachai Punkrasinprovided updates on the centre’s cooperation on sustainable development andemphasised the importance of integrated support to cross-sectoral initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Senior Advisor to theCoordinating Minister of Human Development and Culture on InternationalRelations Affairs and Chair of SOCA Dr Joko Kusnanto Anggoro called formulti-stakeholder coordination and for the involvement of ASEAN peoples on thedevelopment of the Post-2025 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community attendant documentto ensure coherence and conformity across three pillars and so that the futureof ASEAN is aligned with the needs of ASEAN peoples.
Dr Anggoro also highlighted inclusivity andresilience as Indonesia’s main priorities to be promoted across three pillars,including through the mainstreaming of gender equality and disability-inclusivedevelopment, and the adoption of the One Health approach to strengthen regionalhealth resilience.
Key trends and issues highlighted during the meetingincluded digital transformation, climate change, health, disaster resilience,and changes in the demographic landscape.
The recommendations, insights, and findingsresulting from the 19th SOC-COM will be formally submitted for notation andfurther guidance at the upcoming 35th SOCA Meeting and the 30th ASCC CouncilMeeting./.
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