ASEAN Advances People-Centred Development Through Stronger Cross-Pillar Cooperation at the 22nd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Coordinating Conference

Pasay City, Philippines, 11 August 2026 - Senior officials and representatives from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN centres and entities, gathered at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Philippines, and via video conference for the 22^nd Coordinating Conference on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (22^nd SOC-COM). Chaired by the ASEAN Secretariat and the co-hosted with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Republic of the Philippines, the conference serves as a key platform for advancing ASEAN's socio-cultural agenda and promoting a people-centered, inclusive, and resilient regional community.

In his welcome remarks, Atty. Adonis P. Sulit, Chair of the Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) and Undersecretary of the DSWD of the Philippines, reaffirmed the importance of collective regional action in addressing emerging social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing ASEAN communities. He further highlighted the need for strong collaboration and strengthened mechanisms to support the implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan.

San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), in his opening remarks emphasised the significance of strengthening regional coordination as ASEAN advances toward the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the next phase of socio-cultural cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of the conference as a mechanism for cross-pillar coordination and collaboration, particularly in the context of the ASCC Strategic Plan's implementation.

The conference focused on reviewing the implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan, discussing cross-pillar priorities, and updates on the priorities and deliverables of the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship in 2026. Key cross-sectoral issues discussed include ending child labour, promoting and protecting the rights of migrant workers, advancing gender equality, strengthening disability inclusion, fostering climate resilience, expanding One Health collaboration, supporting early childhood development, and promoting the creative and care economies across the region.

As ASEAN advances toward a new phase of regional integration, the 22^nd SOC-COM underscored the ASEAN's commitment to ensuring that social development, human well-being, environmental sustainability, and regional solidarity remain at the center of ASEAN Community-building efforts.

The outcomes of the conference will contribute to ongoing ASEAN deliberations and support the implementation of strategic priorities under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community framework, while helping shape the region's long-term vision toward 2045.

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Photo credit: ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) of the Philippines