Towards a healthy, dynamic and sustainable ASEAN

VHO - On the afternoon of October 16, the 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting (AMMS-8) concluded after the final discussion session chaired by Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam Hoang Dao Cuong, with the participation of delegates from ASEAN member countries.

Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong chaired the afternoon meeting of AMMS-8

Opening the session, Ms. Wanida Phansa-ard - Deputy Minister of Sports and Tourism of Thailand affirmed that Thailand always considers sports as a pillar of social development. The 20-year national strategy and the National Sports Development Plan of Thailand focus on 5 key areas including promoting community sports, developing professional sports, improving sports human resources capacity, expanding international cooperation and developing the sports industry.

She also said that Thailand is honored to host the 33rd SEA Games and the 13th ASEAN Para Games with the theme “Green SEA Games”, aiming at environmentally friendly sports activities, in line with the spirit of “Sport for Sustainable Development” of the International Olympic Committee.

“We are committed to continuing to work closely with ASEAN countries to promote inclusive, quality sports that contribute to a healthy lifestyle for people in the region,” Ms. Wanida emphasized.

At the discussion session, member countries expressed high consensus on the Joint Statement of AMMS-8, marking an important milestone in regional sports cooperation, towards the goal of building a united, dynamic and sustainably developed ASEAN Community.

The Joint Statement acknowledged the outstanding achievements of ASEAN sports cooperation in recent times and determined the strategic orientation for the new period, placing sports at the center of the process of building the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). The Ministers emphasized the role of sports as an effective tool to promote human development, enhance peace , understanding and regional cohesion.

Vietnam – affirming its role as host through AMMS-8

VHO - From October 13 to 17, the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-8) and related conferences will take place in Hanoi with the participation of nearly 200 international and domestic delegates.

In his closing remarks at the Conference, Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong highly appreciated the active participation of the delegations and affirmed that the success of AMMS-8 demonstrated the spirit of solidarity, cooperation and responsibility of member countries in building a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community.

“Sports has always been an important bridge, connecting the people of ASEAN countries in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and cooperation. Over the years, we have together carried out many practical activities, contributing to promoting sports for everyone, improving community health and developing high-performance sports, affirming ASEAN's position in the international arena,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong and representatives of the Thai delegation

For Vietnam, the 2021-2025 period marked many proud sporting achievements. The 31st SEA Games in 2022 was successfully and safely organized, leaving a deep impression of a friendly, hospitable and professional Vietnam.

The mass sports movement has developed strongly with tens of millions of people regularly practicing, contributing to improving public health and building a healthy lifestyle. These results not only bring pride to Vietnam but also contribute practically to the overall development of ASEAN sports.

Vietnam affirms that it will continue to accompany member countries, promoting the strengths of all aspects of sports, towards the goal of a healthy, cohesive ASEAN with increasingly greater influence in the international arena.

In a solemn and friendly atmosphere, the Conference congratulated Vietnam on its role as ASEAN Sports Chair for the 2024-2025 term, acknowledging the host country's efforts in thoughtful organization and initiatives to promote regional sports cooperation.

The conference ended on the afternoon of October 16.

Meanwhile, Cambodia is congratulated for assuming the role of Chair of AMMS-9 in 2027, while Malaysia will chair the 2025 session, ensuring continuity and effectiveness in regional sports cooperation.
Delegates also sent congratulations to Timor-Leste, a country expected to officially become a full member of ASEAN in 2026, and affirmed their readiness to support and share experiences in sports development in the spirit of solidarity and friendship.

The Joint Statement of AMMS-8 acknowledged many specific results, including the successful implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports for the period 2021–2025, contributing to the organization of many sports events and youth programs towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

The Sports Ministers and Deputy Ministers also expressed their gratitude to international partners such as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF), the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) and many non-governmental organizations that have accompanied ASEAN in sports and youth development.

The conference congratulated Cambodia on successfully hosting the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games in 2023, and welcomed Thailand in its preparations for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games and 13th Para Games.

In particular, delegates appreciated Cambodia's efforts in researching, preserving and promoting traditional sports, considering them an important part of the region's cultural identity.

The meeting also welcomed the continued implementation of the ASEAN-FIFA and ASEAN-WADA Memoranda of Understanding, which contribute to strengthening transparency, integrity and sustainable development in sports. The draft statement expressed deep condolences to the people of Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines affected by the 2025 earthquake, demonstrating the spirit of humanity and solidarity of ASEAN.

At the end of the meeting, the Ministers affirmed their commitment to long-term cooperation and continued promotion of sports as a means of building peace, solidarity and sustainable development in the region.

With the spirit of unity and sincere cooperation, the AMMS-8 Conference ended successfully, opening a new phase for ASEAN sports - where countries work together towards the goal of "A healthy, dynamic and sustainable ASEAN".

On October 17, within the framework of the 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting, bilateral working sessions between ASEAN, Japan and China will continue to take place, expanding international cooperation in the field of sports, affirming ASEAN's increasingly profound role in the global sports cooperation network.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/huong-toi-mot-asean-khoe-manh-nang-dong-va-ben-vung-175152.html