The meeting discussed the declaration of the Socio-Cultural Pillars that will be ratified by the leaders of ASEAN at the 42nd ASEAN Summit on May 9-11, 2023, in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
On the occasion, Minister Effendy gave directions regarding the main priorities of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillars under the theme of the Indonesian chairmanship, "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth."
"As a pillar of the people, I believe that it is important to translate the theme of ASEAN Matters and reflect on the relevance of ASEAN to the people. This can only be achieved by ensuring ASEAN's inclusiveness by truly engaging, connecting, and maintaining ASEAN's presence at the grassroots level, because after all, they are the people we serve," Effendy elaborated.
In supporting the Indonesian chairmanship, he affirmed that the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillars proposed four ASEAN joint commitment documents, which are the issue of One Health, ASEAN village networks, migrant workers' protection in crisis situations, and migrant workers, especially migrant fishermen, as an effort to advance ASEAN that is inclusive and remain relevant to the development of global issues.
At the ASCC Ministerial Council meeting, Minister Effendy also highlighted several important priorities comprising strengthening the protection of migrant workers, accelerating technical and vocational education, and training to improve skills for the future of ASEAN's young generation.
The other priorities encompass accelerating rural development and poverty alleviation through ASEAN village networks, strengthening regional efforts to promote disability-inclusive development in the region, bolstering the ASEAN health architecture, and increasing the role and participation of people with disabilities.
“I look forward to working with you to support Indonesia in the 2023 ASEAN Chair,” Minister Effendy stated.
He believes this meeting will be a good start for the Socio-Cultural Pillars to achieve a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive ASEAN in line with aspirations.
The 29th ASCC meeting was attended by the Ministers of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Pillars comprising ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General, in addition to officials representing the ministers of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
The meeting also welcomed the involvement of Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion of East Timor Signi Chandrawati Verdial, as an observer, and reaffirmed their keenness to join ASEAN.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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