ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Discusses Strategic Directions at 32nd Meeting

The 32nd ASCC Council Meeting in Vientiane, chaired by H.E. Suanesavanh Vignaket, addressed sustainability and post-2025 planning for ASEAN’s socio-cultural future.

THE ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council convened for its Thirty-Second Meeting on 26 September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The meeting was chaired by Her Excellency Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism of Lao PDR, and Chair of the ASCC Council. Representatives from ASEAN member states gathered to review the strategic priorities and progress of the ASCC’s ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering a cohesive and sustainable ASEAN community.

Key discussions focused on strengthening mechanisms for cross-pillar coordination within ASEAN, ensuring the timely completion of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 initiatives, and advancing efforts to finalize the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan. This plan will be submitted to the High-Level Task Force for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which outlines ASEAN’s long-term goals for socio-cultural development in the region. These initiatives are seen as vital in ensuring that ASEAN’s socio-cultural goals continue to promote sustainability and bring meaningful impact across member states.

The Council emphasized the need for the ASCC to remain responsive to evolving regional and global dynamics, particularly in light of significant demographic shifts. By adapting to these challenges, the ASCC aims to ensure that its programs remain relevant and effective, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for ASEAN citizens.