(VOVworld) - The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) met in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday and was attended by officials from the 10 member countries. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Hong Lan. 

Delegates at the meeting (Photo: My Binh/VOV5)

Opening the event, Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith appreciated the ASCC’s efforts in implementing the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity to 2025 and promoting the realisation of the Community’s priorities. 
He said the Community’s documents this year that focus on vulnerable groups will help create a caring and sharing society in ASEAN as targeted in the Master Plan. 

During the one-day meeting, officials will consider documents and declarations to be submitted to the 28th ASEAN Summit, including a Vientiane declaration on transition from informal employment to formal employment towards decent work promotion in ASEAN, a Vientiane declaration on reinforcing cultural heritage cooperation in ASEAN, and an ASEAN declaration on the bloc’s common response. 

Other joint declarations are on biodiversity, strengthening education for out-of-school children and youth, climate change, and HIV/AIDS prevention.