Ministers link hands during the 31th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Meeting in Luang Prabang on Sunday.

ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community meeting endorses strategic documents

The 31st ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Meeting, chaired by Laos’ Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, convened on Sunday in Luang Prabang City and endorsed nine important ASEAN documents.

Mrs Suansavanh Vignaket gives the opening remarks at the meeting.

In a significant gathering that included the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Mr Kao Kim Hourn, and ministers from member countries, the Council reviewed the strides made under the Community’s socio-cultural pillar. 
The meeting was marked by a forward-looking exchange of strategic visions, preparing the community to effectively tackle both current and future challenges.
The session concluded with the adoption of nine pivotal documents, set to be proposed for approval at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits taking place in Vientiane in October. 
Mrs Suanesavanh said “These documents encompass the senior cultural officials’ report, the 36th ASEAN Society, and the joint statement of the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community ministers’ meeting.”
The Minister expressed her confidence that these documents would serve as vital legislation for various sectors, propelling ASEAN towards its overarching goal of building a prosperous and harmonious community. 
The vision includes fostering a society based on sustainable development, cultural appreciation, health and safety, environmental stewardship, and equal opportunities for all, including the young, disadvantaged, and disabled.
Under Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship this year, nine priority plans have been outlined, with four dedicated to the socio-cultural community. These priorities aim to elevate the role of culture and art, bolster environmental cooperation and climate resilience, enhance the status of women and children, and transform ASEAN’s health sector.
Mrs Suanesavanh called for continued development in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the master plan of the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community 2025.
She highlighted Laos’ commitment to four priority areas and called for active cooperation among ASEAN nations to ensure the practical implementation of the community’s initiatives.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to develop the strategic plan of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community post-2025 and to conduct a thorough assessment of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 to ensure its success.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 25, 2024)