PH urges Asean to boost sociocultural cooperation
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines on Tuesday urged fellow member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to reinforce resiliency and cooperation in ensuring that sociocultural discussions will meet the needs of evolving communities.
During the opening of the meeting for the 40th Senior Officials’ Committee for Asean Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA), Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Adonis Sulit said that the convening is timely and relevant as the Asean continues to tackle social, economic, technological, and climate challenges.
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“This meeting provides an important platform for reflection, coordination, and collective action to ensure that the sociocultural pillar remains responsive, inclusive, and resilient,” Sulit, who chairs the SOCA, said in his opening remarks.
In this meeting, the SOCA is expected to review progress on the Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025 and discuss preparations for the 35th ASCC Council Meeting and the 48th Asean Summit. The DSWD said that the senior officials discussed major initiatives to ensure a smooth transition for the ASCC Strategic Plans.
Sulit also said that the meeting reaffirms their commitment to their work to remain “people-centered, inclusive, resilient and responsive to the evolving needs of our communities.”
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“It is an opportunity to reinforce coherence across sectoral bodies under the ASCC, strengthen monitoring and implementation mechanisms and ensure that the socio-cultural agenda continues to deliver tangible outcomes for the people of Asean,” Sulit added.
Recognizing women leaders
In the same speech, Sulit recognized the four women leaders of the SOCA, emphasizing that during the time that the Philippines leads the ASCC, “women are not only participants in shaping policies, and regional cooperation, but are at the forefront of driving transformative change across Asean.”
The four women leaders are: Nor Ashikin Johari from Brunei Darussalam; Yuliana Bahar from Indonesia; Sirilak Meemak from Thailand; and Ha Thi Minh Duc from Vietnam.
He added that this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Give to Gain” is “a reminder that if we invest in women, and we give opportunities, space, and leadership, our communities, our economies, and our region all gain.” /jpv
