ASEAN promotes socio-cultural cooperation towards inclusive and sustainable development

(Chinhphu.vn) - On October 8, in Selangor (Malaysia), the 34th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) Meeting took place with the participation of Ministers, Heads of ASCC delegations of 10 ASEAN member countries, ASEAN Secretary General and East Timor delegation as observers.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cao Huy (5th person, from left to right) and heads of delegations attending the 34th ASCC Council Conference - Photo: Moha

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cao Huy, along with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia.

This is the second meeting of the ASCC Council in 2025, which is of great significance in reviewing and summarizing cooperation activities, and considering and approving key documents to be submitted to the ASEAN Summit.

In his opening speech, Mr. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing , Minister of Tourism , Arts and Culture of Malaysia, Chairman of the ASCC Council, emphasized that the efforts of the Socio-Cultural Community are playing an important role in “preparing for the future of ASEAN”, contributing to strengthening progress, growth and regional integration in the spirit of solidarity, inclusiveness and sustainability.

The conference demonstrated ASEAN’s commitment to equitable and harmonious human and social development. Delegates appreciated Malaysia’s leading role in promoting the ASCC 2025’s key areas, including: cultural and heritage preservation; technological innovation and green jobs; climate change response; health and sports cooperation; and promoting the role of ASEAN youth.

The meeting also acknowledged the efforts of working groups, sectoral bodies and the ASEAN Secretariat in developing and implementing the ASCC Strategic Plan , which was adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit.

On that basis, the countries are coordinating to build the ASCC Results Framework , to concretize strategic goals, aiming to improve the quality of life, welfare and security of people in the region.

A notable highlight of this Conference was the assessment of the results of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 Final Review Interim Report , in which 100% of strategic measures have been implemented. This achievement demonstrates ASEAN’s clear progress in promoting regional, inter-sectoral, inter-pillar cooperation and national policy coherence, contributing to improving the quality of life of people and strengthening partnerships towards sustainable development.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cao Huy , Head of the Vietnamese delegation, affirmed that the documents reviewed within the framework of ASCC this year cover many important areas of social life, from culture, education, health, climate change to the rights of people with disabilities. This is a testament to ASEAN's efforts and commitment in responding to emerging challenges, putting people at the center of development.

Deputy Minister Cao Huy said that in addition to economic cooperation, it is necessary to focus on investing in social security, human development and cyber security.

The Deputy Minister shared that Vietnam is actively coordinating with relevant ministries and branches to summarize the implementation of the ASCC Master Plan 2025 , and at the same time develop a national project for the period after 2025 , to ensure the continuity and sustainability of regional commitments.

Vietnam will continue to promote capacity building of officials, enhance communication about the ASEAN Community , and help people better understand the role, significance and benefits of the regional integration process.

At the Conference, the Ministers and Heads of Delegation adopted the Joint Statement , agreed in principle on the List of Documents to be submitted to the 47th ASEAN Summit , and adopted the Report of the 34th ASCC Council , affirming the common determination in promoting an increasingly cohesive, inclusive and sustainable ASEAN Community.

Vietnam shares experience in digital transformation in ASEAN civil service

Previously, on October 7 , in Selangor (Malaysia), the ASEAN Conference on Future-Ready Civil Service was held, hosted by the Malaysian Civil Service. Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended and delivered an important speech emphasizing the role of reshaping ASEAN governance in general and ASEAN member states in particular in the context of the rapidly evolving digital age.

With 3 plenary sessions, the Conference focused on discussing the following topics: Cooperation, policy innovation and orientation for future development of the civil service ; human resource development for the civil service to adapt to the digital age ; innovation and digital transformation in public services - the role of technology in shaping the modern civil service.

At the 3rd Plenary Session , Mr. Luu Quang Tuan , Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam) presented a speech on the topic "Digital transformation in administration and management at the Ministry of Home Affairs" sharing Vietnam's practical experience in applying digital technology to improve administration efficiency, improve work productivity and modernize the civil service.

Thu Giang

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/asean-thuc-day-hop-tac-van-hoa-xa-hoi-huong-toi-phat-trien-bao-trum-va-ben-vung-102251008165554818.htm