ASEAN Socio-cultural Plan To Uplift 680 Million People Through Inclusive, Resilient Community-building
The plan builds on the foundation laid by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025 and responds to emerging challenges such as ageing populations, digital exclusion, public health threats, climate change and widening social inequality.
'It also recognises the opportunities arising form emerging megatrends such as digital technology advancement and green and blue economies,' according to the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future document.
Among the key goals of the ASCC plan is to build a people-centred and interconnected community through equitable digital access, greater regional mobility, and enhanced cooperation in education, lifelong learning and social protection.
The strategy also envisions a caring and inclusive ASEAN that promotes shared prosperity by investing in gender equality, women's empowerment, and stronger protections for migrant workers, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
Human security and resilience feature prominently, with ASEAN pledging to address mental health, ageing, and natural disasters through partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector.
'Youth engagement is a high priority. The plan outlines measures to equip young people to lead in innovation, climate action and entrepreneurship, while promoting active participation in ASEAN's socio-economic development.
'Women's empowerment is another central focus. ASEAN seeks to increase female representation in decision-making, develop gender-responsive policies, and invest in care infrastructure to reduce unpaid work and improve well-being,' the document read.
The ASCC Plan also highlights the importance of preserving ASEAN's rich cultural heritage. It seeks to strengthen regional identity through arts, education, digital platforms and community-based initiatives, particularly in underserved areas.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Johor, federal govt to push for competitive wages in JS-SEZ
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government, in collaboration with the federal government, will continue engaging with investors and companies in the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to implement more competitive minimum wages, including a target of RM4,000 for fresh graduates. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the matter is currently being refined through the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC). 'This is a strategic move to ensure the welfare of local workers and attract high-quality talent to contribute to Johor's economic development,' he said in a Facebook post today. He also highlighted that clean water supply remains a priority for the state government, expressing appreciation for federal support in approving new infrastructure projects to increase treated water distribution capacity, especially in strategic areas like the JS-SEZ. 'Meanwhile, the long-term plan to develop large-scale raw water resources to meet 2,000 million litres per day by 2060 demonstrates Johor's commitment to ensuring sustainable water supply for residents and industries,' he added. Onn Hafiz affirmed that the state government will continue to ensure smooth, transparent and impactful implementation for the benefit of all Johor residents. 'May these efforts be eased by Allah SWT and may the ambitious goals outlined in the Maju Johor 2030 Agenda be fully realised, driving Johor towards balanced, sustainable and inclusive development, InsyaAllah,' he said. - Bernama
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
China ready to sign SEANWFZ treaty without conditions, says FM
KUALA LUMPUR: China has confirmed its readiness to sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty without any reservations, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced. The development marks a significant step toward regional security cooperation. Mohamad revealed that two to three other nuclear-weapon states have also reached out to Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, to restart discussions on the treaty. While he did not name these countries, the engagement signals growing international interest in the agreement. 'This is a positive development,' Mohamad told reporters after chairing the SEANWFZ Commission Meeting, held alongside the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Earlier reports indicated that China and Russia had shown willingness, while the US was still reviewing the treaty. In another key decision, the meeting approved Timor-Leste's formal accession to SEANWFZ, which will be officially announced at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October. 'We will also refine and strengthen our modus operandi because we want ASEAN member states to truly understand their roles. We also want the SEANWFZ bloc to establish relations with nuclear weapon-free zones in other regions. 'This is something we are pursuing so that we can establish common ground and discuss ways to ensure the world is free from the threat of nuclear weapons,' he said. The SEANWFZ Treaty, also known as the Bangkok Treaty, was signed in December 1995 in Bangkok by ASEAN member states as a commitment to preserve Southeast Asia as a region free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. It came into force in March 1997. SEANWFZ is one of five Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) in the world. The other four are located in Latin America and the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Africa, and Central Asia. - Bernama
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia reaffirms ASEAN human rights agenda under 2045 vision
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has reinforced the importance of advancing human rights within ASEAN as part of regional integration efforts. Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Interface with AICHR Representatives, he stressed that human rights remain central to ASEAN's community-building process. Mohamad welcomed the progress made by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), particularly in drafting two key declarations. These focus on the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, as well as the right to development and peace. 'These initiatives reflect ASEAN's shared commitment to addressing inequality, environmental concerns, and global challenges,' he said. The minister also emphasised that AICHR will continue to be a cornerstone in promoting social development and justice, aligning with the ASEAN 2045 Vision. The meeting, attended by ASEAN foreign ministers and Timor-Leste as an observer, set the tone for Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, which prioritises inclusivity and sustainability. Malaysia's AICHR Representative and Chair for 2025, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, presented the AICHR Annual Report during the session. The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related events will host 24 ministerial-level discussions with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, bringing together around 1,500 delegates. - Bernama
