Building a long-term vision for ASEAN sports

On the morning of October 16, in Hanoi, the Opening Ceremony of the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports took place, with the participation of Ministers, Heads of Delegations of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste; Ambassadors of Southeast Asian countries in Hanoi.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung speaks. Photo: Minh Quyet/VNA

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh attended and spoke.

Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said that over the past 50 years of formation and development, the ASEAN Community has grown steadily, becoming a united, dynamic and prosperous region. In addition to political, economic, cultural and social cooperation, sports have been affirming their important role in connecting people, promoting peace , friendship and mutual understanding among member countries. Sports is not only an area that contributes to improving health and physical strength, but also a bridge to foster friendship, solidarity and mutual understanding among countries.

The 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting is of special significance, marking the increasingly deep cooperation within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, as well as opening up many new opportunities in cooperation with other countries in the context of ASEAN building the ASEAN Cooperation Strategy for the period 2026-2030, guiding the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

In the spirit of cooperation, friendship and responsibility, Minister Nguyen Van Hung believes that the Conference will achieve many practical results, providing strategic directions for ASEAN sports cooperation in the new period, while contributing to enhancing the position of ASEAN sports in the international arena.

"This is an important occasion for us to review the achievements of cooperation, exchange experiences and set out the direction of ASEAN sports cooperation in the next period, towards comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive development. With the chosen theme, the Conference is an opportunity to share visions, strengthen cooperation and jointly create a future of sustainable and distinctive ASEAN sports development. Vietnam pledges to accompany member countries and partners to realize common goals, making sports the pride of the ASEAN Community, contributing to building a peaceful, prosperous and cohesive region," the Minister emphasized.

In his welcome speech at the Conference, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh affirmed that throughout the journey of formation and development of ASEAN, sports have become a bridge of friendship, solidarity and development. From the SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games to sports exchange programs, all have contributed to connecting the hearts of ASEAN people, nurturing the spirit of: "One Vision - One Identity - One Community".

Conference scene. Photo: Minh Quyet/VNA

Affirming Vietnam's consistent viewpoint of taking people as the center, subject, goal, resource, and driving force of development, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the Strategy for the development of physical training and sports in Vietnam to 2030, with a vision to 2045, identifies: Building a sustainable and professional physical training and sports foundation. All people have access to and enjoy physical training and sports services; voluntarily practice to improve health, fitness, and quality of life.

With the spirit of "Solidarity, cooperation, sustainable development", Vietnam hopes that this Conference will not only stop at exchanging experiences but also discuss specific measures to implement goals and priorities on sports and health development for ASEAN people, thereby opening a new phase of deeper and more effective cooperation that has a real impact on the lives and health of ASEAN people.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh speaks. Photo: Minh Quyet/VNA

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh suggested that the Conference focus on discussing, sharing and agreeing on five key orientations: Sports for all; Smart and creative sports; Green, clean and sustainable sports; Strengthening international cooperation between ASEAN and partners to build a transparent and modern sports ecosystem; Preserving and promoting the value of traditional sports.

"Vietnam hopes that through this Conference, we will together build a long-term vision for ASEAN sports, including the ASEAN Action Plan on Sports for the period 2026-2030, contributing to realizing the aspiration for a strong, inclusive and sustainable ASEAN for all. I believe that, with the spirit of solidarity, responsibility and common vision, the Conference will create a new milestone in the history of regional sports cooperation, affirming ASEAN's position as a dynamic, creative and vibrant community," Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh takes a photo with the heads of delegations. Photo: Minh Quyet/VNA

In the afternoon session of the same day, the Conference continued to discuss the statements of ASEAN Ministers on sports from Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste; listened to the speech of Mr. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN in charge of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community...; reviewed and approved the Joint Statement of AMMS-8 and other issues.

In addition, as the host country of AMMS-9, the Cambodian representative will inform the Conference about the expected time and location of the conference in 2027.

The first ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS) was held in 2011 in Indonesia, agreeing on a mechanism to hold the event every two years. After 14 years, AMMS has become an important high-level forum, contributing to promoting cooperation, policy exchange and action in the field of sports among ASEAN member countries.

In 2025, under the rotation mechanism, Vietnam will officially take on the role of chairing the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS 8) and related meetings, including the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports + Japan (AMMS + Japan 5) and the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports + China (AMMS + China 2).

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/xay-dung-tam-nhin-dai-han-cho-the-thao-asean-20251016160031012.htm