Strengthening resilience and promoting inclusive growth across the region were highlighted as priorities.

According to the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, the ASCC represents the “pillar of the people” of this organization composed by Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar and Malaysia.

We stand for a future where people are not mere beneficiaries but active participants in shaping regional development, ensuring that the fruits of our collective effort reach every corner of our diverse communities and peoples, he said.

The ASCC will be at the forefront of implementing the Asean Community Vision 2045, ensuring that the region’s transformation remains firmly anchored in people-centred development, he stressed.

The one-day event attracted nearly 200 participants, including senior officials from ASEAN member states as well as representatives of federal and state ministries, government agencies, local authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Kao stressed that the ASCC Strategic Plan, developed through extensive consultations with governments, civil society, development partners and more than four thousand people from across the region, reflects the priorities and aspirations of the peoples of Asean, including those in rural and vulnerable communities.

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