The implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Blueprint was reviewed at an online conference on October 6 hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).

Director of the MOLISA's International Cooperation Department Nguyen Manh Cuong (R)
at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

This was part of ASEAN activities organised by the MoLISA in its role as the Chair of SOCA in 2020.

Director of the MoLISA's International Cooperation Department Nguyen Manh Cuong, who is also head of SOCA Vietnam, said the mid-term review of the implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 at the regional level is entering the final stage of completion, in order for the timely submission of a regional report to the 37th ASEAN Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Vietnam in November.

While praising ASEAN member nations’ efforts to carry out national assessments and the coordination and support of the ASEAN Secretariat and the Regional Advisory Group, Cuong said the draft regional report was detailed and comprehensive, and highlighted the achievements and challenges after five years of implementing the Blueprint.

Participants focused on discussing and commenting on amendments and adjustments to each chapter of the draft regional report, including research methods, overall implementation progress, implementation of objectives, and implementation progress in each ASEAN member country.

They agreed on subsequent steps relating to procedures for the submission of the regional report, in which the ASEAN Secretariat and the Regional Advisory Group will urgently coordinate with ASEAN countries in finalising the report for review and approval by ministers in charge of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council before submission to the 37th ASEAN Summit.

Within the framework of the conference, a national-level meeting was arranged by Vietnam to discuss and complete a report reviewing the implementation of Decision No 161/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister on approving a project to develop and implement a plan to reach the goals laid out by SOCA to 2025 (Project 161) during the last five years.

Vietnam has posted many achievements in different fields, especially poverty reduction and environmental protection, contributing to the common achievements of the region and enhancing ASEAN’s image in Vietnam.