The 8th SOMS+Japan Conference: Strengthening and deepening ASEAN-Japan sports cooperation towards 2030

The SOMS+Japan Conference plays an important role in promoting sports cooperation towards 2030 and deepening the ASEAN-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.

In recent years, ASEAN-Japan cooperation programs have been implemented regularly and effectively. Cooperation activities focus on sports programs for people with disabilities, women and girls, physical education , as well as sports development policies and capacity building for professional sports coaches... All activities aim at the goal of sustainable development in the region and continent.

Overview of the conference

In his opening speech at the Conference, Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department emphasized that the theme of the 16th ASEAN Senior Sports Officials Meeting this year is "Sports Orientation, Contributing to Sustainable Development" which is very consistent with the goals and orientations of Japan in this cooperation mechanism. Vietnam commits to participating in regional activities within the framework of ASEAN - Japan cooperation to promote sports cooperation and sports-related activities between ASEAN member countries and partner countries and international organizations that are partners of ASEAN.

Reporting at the Conference, Mr. Saw Lwin - Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN summarized the implementation of activities within the framework of the 7th SOMS + Japan (held in Vinh Phuc in 2024) and the 4th AMMS + Japan Ministerial Meeting.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department spoke at the conference

Accordingly, sports cooperation between ASEAN and Japan is implemented based on four main pillars: Developing a team of teachers and sports coaches; Increasing women's participation in sports; Promoting sports for people with disabilities; Improving anti-doping capacity... The projects and plans implemented all bring positive results, contributing significantly to the overall development of the region.

In the ASEAN-Japan Cooperation Strategy, the two sides agreed on five strategic cooperation goals until 2030, including: Expanding cooperation in training and research in Physical Education; Promoting gender equality and enhancing the role of women in sports; Developing sports for people with disabilities and social inclusion; Building an honest, transparent, and doping-free sports system; Developing governance, business and innovation capacity in modern sports.

Ms. Keiko Momii - General Director of Japan Sports Agency spoke at the conference

Sharing at the Conference, Ms. Keiko Momii - Director General of the Japan Sports Agency emphasized: "This year's Conference marks an important milestone in concluding the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2021-2025, while also aiming to build the next phase of cooperation".

According to information from the Conference, the sports work plan for the 2026-2030 period is being built, ensuring consistency with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the region's sustainable development goals.

At the Conference, preparations for the 5th ASEAN+Japan Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS+Japan) were reviewed, which is expected to adopt a Joint Statement and Provisional Agenda on October 17.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/hoi-nghi-somsnhat-ban-lan-thu-8-tang-cuong-phat-trien-sau-sac-hop-tac-the-thao-asean-nhat-ban-huong-toi-nam-2030-20251015170131542.htm