ASEAN work to counter social, cultural challenges at root
Jakarta (VNA) – Strategic directions for dealing
with root causes of social issues were the main theme of a conference in
Jakarta on May 23 held by the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN).
The event was attended by representatives from delegations
of countries at ASEAN, senior officials of the ASEAN Cultural Community (ASCC),
ASEAN’s dialogue partners, development partners, ASEAN organisations and the
United Nations.
The conference aimed to promote the ASEAN Declaration on
Culture of Prevention (CoP) for a Peaceful, Inclusive, Resilient, Healthy and
Harmonious Society adopted at the 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila, the
Philippines, in November 2017.
Addressing the conference, ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock
Hoi highlighted challenges facing the world, including the spread of diseases,
drug, crime, human trafficking and false information on social networks. He
mentioned difficulties in seeking solutions to long-term problems related to
education, health care and social services.
The Secretary General particularly stressed the widespread
impacts of climate change on ASEAN countries, causing losses amounting to 4.4
billion USD each year.
Instead of responding directly to the challenges, ASEAN is
trying to adopt a preventive approach by dealing with the root causes of the problems,
Lim Jock Hoi said, noting that a preventive way of thinking is needed to do
that.
He reiterated six aspects of the culture of prevention,
which were awareness about peace and inter-cultural understanding; respect;
good governance; resilience and care for the environment, a healthy lifestyle
and values of moderation.
According to the Secretary General, those factors will help
promote ideas on cultural diversification, gender equality and women
empowerment, as well as opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Besides the important role of families, community-based
organisations, educational establishments and religious groups in encouraging
the six aspects of the preventive culture, ASEAN also acknowledges the role of
cooperation with partners and related parties in seeking effective solutions to
promote the CoP among ASEAN.-VNA