Hanoi (VNA) - A virtual 23rd meeting of the ASEANSocial-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council took place in Hanoi on June 23, with the ten ministersin charge of ASCC, the ASEAN Secretary General, delegates from member countries,and the ASEAN Secretariat taking part.
It was the firstperiodic meeting hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairsin its capacity as ASCC Chair 2020.
Chairing theevent, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, who isalso Vice Chairman of the National ASEAN 2020 Committee and ASCC Chair 2020,said it is the first time in the history of the bloc that ASEAN seniorofficials’ meetings and summits have been held online, due to COVID-19. This requiresgovernments cope with different contingencies to protect lives, stabilise economies,and ensure social welfare, he said.
Towards thetheme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN”, he said Vietnam has suggested initiatives andpriorities regarding human resources, social welfare, and communications to further promote the community's efforts towards the ASEAN Vision 2025.
This is anextremely important time for ASEAN, as its three communities are conductingmid-term reviews on the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Vision 2025.All ASEAN specialised agencies are also reviewing the 2016-2020 Work Plan andbuilding the 2021-2025 Plan of Action.
Amid COVID-19, ASEAN leaders and specialised agencies on healthcare, human resources, social welfare, development, and education held symposiums to shareexperiences and enhance cooperation in dealing with the harmful effects of thepandemic.
With 15 specialised agencies covering various fields, Minister Dung said the ASCC mustcoordinate efforts to ensure socio-economic development.
Participantsshared their opinions on priorities and cooperation during the period of recoveryfrom COVID-19, to set orientations for the ASEAN Community’s activities thisyear and the next five years, towards a cohesive ASEAN Community that is beneficialfor all./.
Conference reviews ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community construction
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs held a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on May 31 to review the implementation of Project 161 on realising goals laid out by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) until 2025 and its activities in the south.