A Joint Ministerial Statement released at the virtual 23rd meeting of the ASEAN Social-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council in Hanoi on June 23 underlined support for promoting key areas of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillar.

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung (second from right), who is also Vice Chairman of the National ASEAN 2020 Committee and ASCC Chair 2020 

It was the first periodic meeting hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in its capacity as ASCC Chair 2020.

In his remarks, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, who is also Vice Chairman of the National ASEAN 2020 Committee and ASCC Chair 2020, said it is the first time in the history of the regional group that ASEAN senior officials’ meetings and summits have been organized on an online platform, due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This requires governments to cope with different contingencies as a way of protecting lives, ensuring economic stabilization and social welfare, he added.

After the discussions, the meeting issued a Joint Ministerial Statement of the ASEAN Social-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council.

Towards the theme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN”, Dung said Vietnam has suggested initiatives and priorities regarding human resources, social welfare, and communications to further step up the community's efforts towards the ASEAN Vision 2025.

This is a highly crucial time for ASEAN, as its three communities are conducting mid-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 and building the 2021-2025 Plan of Action.

Amid the pandemic, ASEAN leaders and specialised agencies on healthcare, human resources, social welfare, development, and education held symposiums to share experiences and enhance cooperation in dealing with the harmful effects of the pandemic.

With 15 specialised agencies covering various fields, Minister Dung said the ASCC must join efforts to ensure socio-economic development.

During the meeting, participants shared their opinions on priorities and cooperation during the period of recovery from COVID-19, to outline orientations for the ASEAN Community’s activities this year and the next five years, towards a cohesive ASEAN Community that is beneficial for all.

They also expressed their wish for the ASEAN Declaration on promotion of social work led by Vietnam, to be finalized for approval at the 37th ASEAN Summit set for November.