Joint Statement of the Twenty-fifth ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council

31 March 2021 -

The 25th ASCC Council Meeting was held on 31 March 2021, via video conference under the ASEAN Chairmanship of Brunei Darussalam. The Meeting extended full support to Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chairmanship with its theme of ‘We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper’, and look forward to the realisation of the three priorities identified: (i) harnessing the caring nature of ASEAN to build a harmonious and resilient community with the people at its centre (A Caring Community); (ii) preparing and adapting for the future to ensure that ASEAN remains relevant and resilient to overcome existing and future challenges and threats (A Prepared Community); and (iii) creating opportunities for people to benefit through initiatives that enhance the sustainable prosperity of the region (A Prosperous Community).

The Meeting looked forward to the timely adoption of the Regional Policy Framework on Fostering Greater Understanding, Tolerance and a Sense of Regional Agendas among Peoples of ASEAN at the 38th ASEAN Summit in October 2021. The Meeting also noted with appreciation the regional initiatives for the promotion of mental health, sustainable climate, poverty eradication, gender mainstreaming, readiness for the future of work, social work, sports development, children’s rights, and information and awareness.

The Greater Understanding, Tolerance and a Sense of Regional Agendas among Peoples of ASEAN is supported by the Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).