From aspirations to actions: 2nd Regional Forum facilitates effective mainstreaming of the ASCC Strategic Plan

JAKARTA, 1 - 3 July 2026 - The 2^nd Regional Forum on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan, themed "Mainstreaming the Strategic Plan into Regional, National, and Local Development Plans," was held on 1 - 3 July at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.

The three-day forum featured the launch of the Voices of the People of ASEAN: A Compendium of Stakeholder Insights for the ASCC Strategic Plan and a site visit to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).

During the Opening Ceremony, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASCC, San Lwin, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, Maria Elena Cristina D. Maningat, and Chargé d'Affaires ad interim and Minister/Deputy Head of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, Mr. CHUJO Kazuo, officially launched the Voices of the People of ASEAN: A Compendium of Stakeholder Insights for the ASCC Strategic Plan. The publication captures the perspective and aspirations of stakeholders across the region that informed the ASCC Strategic Plan, reflecting its inclusive, participatory and people-centred approach.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Secretary-General San Lwin emphasised that mainstreaming the ASCC Strategic Plan at all levels is essential to translating the region's shared aspirations into concrete actions that deliver meaningful and tangible benefits to the peoples of ASEAN. He underscored the importance of timely, coordinated, and people-centred approaches in addressing regional and global challenges while advancing inclusive development and growth. He also highlighted the importance of ASEAN Centrality and strong institutions in supporting the implementation of regional frameworks and commitments.

Speaking on behalf of ASCC Council Chair, Deputy Permanent Representative Maningat noted that the forum offered a timely opportunity to explore approaches in translating the ASCC Strategic Plan into national and local development plans. She remarked that the Compendium stands as a testament to ASEAN's commitment to inclusivity and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

In his pre-recorded remarks, the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, Yonetani Koji, reaffirmed Japan's commitment in advancing ASEAN Community-building. He highlighted the strong ASEAN-Japan partnership and cooperation across shared priorities, as well as ongoing efforts to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development throughout the region.

Prof. Dr. Pratikno, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Republic of Indonesia, also delivered a video message, underscoring the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement. He called for strengthened institutional coordination, sustained resource commitments, and measurable accountability to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans. He noted that the outcomes of the forum would help shape a roadmap for mainstreaming the Strategic Plans and ensuring ASEAN initiatives deliver meaningful benefits to all ASEAN citizens.

The forum brought together 130 people onsite and 170 online participants from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Centres and Entities, Planning Agencies/Ministries of ASEAN Member States, ASEAN External Partners, International Organisations and the ASEAN Secretariat. Over the course of the event, participants exchanged best practices on alignment strategies, focusing on institutional strengthening, resource coordination, and public awareness campaigns to sustain the long-term impact of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Additionally, the participants took part in the site visit to AHA Centre to deepen their understanding and knowledge on how regional frameworks and commitments, such as the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), are translated into operational strategies and actions.

The 2^nd Regional Forum was co-hosted by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Government of Indonesia, and supported by the Government of Japan, through the Supporting the Development of the ASCC Strategic Plan project, under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.