The 22nd Coordinating Conference on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community brought together ASEAN stakeholders to strengthen regional cooperation and support the effective implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan.
On 11 August 2026, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), H.E. San Lwin, chaired the Twenty-Second Coordinating Conference on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (22nd SOC-COM). The conference provided an important platform for ASEAN Member States and relevant stakeholders to coordinate efforts and advance the region’s socio-cultural priorities.
Co-hosted by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Republic of the Philippines, the conference focused on strengthening coordination within the ASCC and supporting the implementation of ASEAN’s socio-cultural agenda. The meeting underscored the importance of close cooperation among ASEAN institutions in addressing shared regional priorities.
A key focus of the 22nd SOC-COM was ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan. The plan provides a framework for advancing ASEAN cooperation across areas that directly contribute to the well-being and quality of life of people in the region, while promoting a more inclusive and people-centred ASEAN Community.
The conference also highlighted the role of coordinated regional efforts in translating ASEAN’s socio-cultural commitments into practical initiatives. Through continued collaboration among Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat and relevant sectoral bodies, ASEAN can strengthen the delivery of programmes that support communities and promote sustainable social development across the region.
The 22nd SOC-COM reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to advancing a resilient, inclusive and people-oriented community. By maintaining strong institutional coordination and effective implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan, ASEAN continues to strengthen cooperation in the socio-cultural pillar and address priorities that matter to people across Southeast Asia.
Source: ASEAN
