ASEAN reviews the formation of Socio-Cultural Community

ASEAN socio-cultural leaders stand for a group photo in the opening session of the 3rd meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council, Hà Nội, April 7, 2010 - Photo: VGP/Nhật Bắc

The overall target of the ASCC is to serve and better quality of ASEAN peoples’ life, settle issues relating social equality, cultural identities, environment, globalization and technological revolutions.

In her opening speech, Vietnamese Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân highly valued the role and contributions made by Thailand, Chair of ASEAN in 2009, to the positive results of building the ASCC.

As Chair of the bloc in 2010, Việt Nam pledges to join efforts with other members in successfully forming the ASCC, one of three pillars of the ASEAN Community, Minister Ngân highlighted.

Yesterday, in Hà Nội, the preparatory meeting of senior officials in the Committee on the ASCC (SOCA) thoroughly discussed the realization of the ASCC Blueprint.

The meeting adopted some priorities for Việt Nam during its ASEAN Presidency Year 2010, including responding global challenges (epidemics, climate change, disaster management), building the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA).

Besides, human resource nurturing for economic recovery; better social welfare and equality for women and children; closer cultural cooperation towards better awareness of ASEAN were also hot issues on the table.

The 3rd ASCC meeting was followed by the inauguration of the Commission on Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children.