ASEAN focuses on people-centred socio-cultural initiatives. (Source: VNA)

Dr Muhadjir Effendy, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, and Chair of the ASCC Council, briefed the meeting on key ASCC priorities under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth.”

The council agreed to submit to the 42nd ASEAN Summit four documents related to One Health Initiative; the establishment of the ASEAN Village Network; protection of migrant workers and family members in crisis situations; and the placement and protection of migrant fishers.

As the region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the council welcomed the priority to strengthen the regional health architecture and commended the inclusion of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on One Health Initiative in the list of outcome documents for adoption at the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

Strengthening social protection for migrant workers, especially those in crisis situations, is also a priority under Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year. The council welcomed the development of the ASEAN Declaration on Migrant Workers and Family Members in Crisis Situations and the ASEAN Declaration on the Placement and Protection of Migrant Fishers, both of which reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to better safeguard and strengthen migrant workers’ resilience.

Another key deliverable under the ASCC Pillar is the strengthening of village cooperation. The ASEAN’s Leaders’ Statement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Village Network will accelerate village development and introduce a region-wide network in which villages can exchange knowledge and explore partnership opportunities.

The council also welcomed Timor-Leste Vice-Minister of Social Solidarity Signi Chandrawati Verdial’s involvement in the meeting as an observer and reiterated its support for Timor-Leste’s preparations to join ASEAN.

The initiatives to be adopted and noted by the leaders this year reflect the ASCC’s relevance and strong leadership in ensuring that ASEAN remains on course to deliver people-oriented and people-centred initiatives despite challenging times, said ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

The 29th ASCC Council Meeting was held back-to-back with the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings scheduled on May 9-11 in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.