In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang praised the efforts of ASCC officials and the Ad-hoc Working Group in finalising the ASCC Strategic Plan, which has been approved by ASEAN Leaders alongside the strategic documents of the other three pillars on political-security, economics, and connectivity.

He emphasised that the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its four strategic pillars reflects ASEAN's proactive and adaptive approach in a rapidly changing global context. The new strategic documents not only build upon past achievements but also open new opportunities for intra- and extra-regional cooperation, helping to elevate ASEAN’s role and standing globally.

He affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to actively supporting the implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan and contributing to the Working Group’s specific tasks.

The 12th meeting focused on key issues including the development of the post-2025 ASCC Results Framework, a detailed communication plan to promote the ASCC Strategic Plan, and finalisation of performance measurement indicators (KPIs). It also discussed ways of enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework, based on the ASCC 2025 Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines.

Delegates reviewed and contributed feedback on the KPI development guide, aiming to ensure alignment between sectoral work plans and strategic actions, and consistency with the overarching goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

This meeting marks a significant step toward shaping the post-2025 ASCC, reinforcing ASEAN’s commitment to building a cohesive and sustainable socio-cultural community.

Vietnam affirms commitments to ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

Vietnam is committed to further advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening the connectivity within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and fostering deeper cohesion and understanding in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, a Vietnamese official stated.