Makati: The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Ministers have reiterated their dedication to fostering a people-centered, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN as the region advances from the ASCC Blueprint 2025 to the implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. During the 35th ASCC Council Meeting held in Makati, the Philippines, the ministers underscored the importance of the ASEAN Database for Monitoring and Evaluation System. They called for improved cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination to ensure ASEAN's initiatives have a measurable and meaningful impact on communities across the region. The meeting also marked the first participation of Timor-Leste as a member of ASEAN.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi Mohamad, representing Brunei Darussalam, supported the Philippines' ASCC priorities, which focus on building resilient and empowered families, promoting social inclusion, fostering smart youth and innovation, and ensuring an environmentally sustainable and food-secure future. He emphasized the importance of the family institution and discussed Brunei's ongoing review of its National Action Plan on the Family Institution to ensure its relevance to current needs.
Before the meeting, Yang Berhormat participated in the ASCC High-Level Forum as a panelist alongside other ministers and representatives. He highlighted the significance of empowering ASEAN youth to become co-navigators and co-architects of the region's future. Yang Berhormat advocated for moving beyond mere participation towards meaningful youth leadership and co-creation in policymaking, grounded in ASEAN centrality and an outward-looking perspective, reinforced by cross-pillar coordination. He also stressed the need for holistic education, lifelong learning, and innovation ecosystems to equip youth with resilience in a rapidly changing global environment. Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary for Community at the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, accompanied the delegation.