ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Charts Strategic Directions Toward an Inclusive, Future-Ready and People-Centred ASEAN

Makati City, Philippines, 05 March 2026 - The 35th Meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council brought together ministers and senior officials of ASEAN Member States to chart the strategic directions for the ASCC towards the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines and ASCC Council Chair, Rex Gatchalian. In his welcome remarks, Secretary Gatchalian reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to advancing the goals of ASCC through translating ASEAN cooperation into building resilient and empowered families as the foundation of a strong and healthy ASEAN society; promoting inclusive development that is people-centred; championing smart youth and innovation by investing in youth empowerment, creativity and digital literacy; and, working toward an environmentally sustainable and food secure future addressing climate resilience and food security across Southeast Asia.

Ministers and senior officials discussed strategic and policy initiatives on advancing the ASCC priorities under the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship, particularly on empowering the people of ASEAN. The Meeting also exchanged views on approaches and strategies on strengthening ASEAN institutions and mechanisms, including cross-pillar coordination and ensuring synergy and coherence with other ASEAN Community Pillars and Connectivity.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASCC, San Lwin, underscored the importance of stronger institutions and effective mechanisms to move ASEAN's community-building goals forward and drive meaningful collaboration and dialogues, especially in light of the increasing complexity and scope of ASEAN's work.

The ASCC Council endorsed one outcome document for adoption and nine for notations by the ASEAN Leaders at the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit, which advance ASCC's work, particularly in the areas of youth in climate action and disaster risk reduction, local governance, protection of women and children, disability-inclusive development, labour migration, and protection of digital labour platform workers.

The Meeting was preceded by the ASCC High Level Forum 2026, a high-level platform for the ASCC to reflect and exchange views on concrete strategies that will further strengthen the ASEAN Community and its people. The Forum adopted the ASCC Ministerial Statement on Empowering ASEAN Peoples, underscoring the importance of strengthening the ASCC's resilience and empowering ASEAN people in adapting, navigating and effectively responding to the constantly evolving regional and global trends and challenges that affect the needs and well-being of the people.