KUCHING: Asean must remain committed to community-centred development, consensus-building and multi-stakeholder cooperation in facing global challenges, says Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
He said this approach, which balanced innovation and growth with cultural identity and inclusivity, was not only Asean's defining strength but a vital compass in an increasingly fragmented and polarised world.
"We must recognise that the accelerating forces of digital transformation, climate change and geopolitical tensions are reshaping socioeconomic landscapes across the globe.
"Navigating this complex and shifting terrain demands more than technological solutions or regulatory reform," he said at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) council meeting here on Thursday (April 24).
In line with this, Kao said the ASCC played a critical role in protecting Asean citizens from the adverse effects of megatrends like natural disasters, public health emergencies, climate change, economic challenges and disruptions to the global trading system.
"This protection comes through sustained delivery of basic and social services, promotion of inclusive and sustainable development and ensuring equitable access and protection for vulnerable groups and individuals," he said.
Kao also said the ASCC would chart the way forward with its post-2025 strategic plan, which was aligned with the people's needs and aspirations.
He said the plan would focus on addressing environmental and climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and management, gender equality and women's empowerment, narrowing development gaps and promoting sustainable growth.
“This approach highlights Asean’s increasingly interconnected work while fostering a more holistic strategy for addressing regional challenges,” he added.
The ASCC council meeting is a scheduled ministerial-level meeting organised twice a year to discuss key socio-cultural issues in the Asean region.
Supported by the Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (SOCA), ASCC advances Asean's socio-cultural agenda through regional projects, cultural exchange and partnerships with international organisations.
