Vientiane, Lao PDR - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), along with the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), represented the ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council High-Level Interface held on 13 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Philippine representation is incidental to its current chairpersonship of the ALMM.

The meeting focused on the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening the socio-cultural sectors across the ASEAN region for the next ten to twenty years.

The Philippine delegation was led by DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, representing DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, Philippine Ambassador to Lao PDR, H.E. Deena Joy Amatong alongside Vice Consul Michael Joseph Ostique, Mike Mohen A. Padilla from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and ILS Deputy Executive Director Atty. Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio.

During the high-level dialogue, Undersecretary Torres emphasized the vital role of ensuring decent employment for all as a foundation for attaining lasting peace, security, stability, and sustainable development across the ASEAN region.

Undersecretary Torres also urged the region to prioritize enhancing youth employability, providing equitable access to employment opportunities, implementing inclusive social protection measures, and safeguarding the rights of cross-border migrant workers, particularly given the evolving labor landscape and the diverse needs of the region to  “ensure that the next generation of the regional workforce fosters ASEAN connectivity, economic integration, and social cohesion, exchanges among the youth must be strengthened through cross-country scholarships, training, internships, immersions, and cultural exchanges supported by regional learning networks and institutions,”

The formulation of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan is envisioned as a comprehensive endeavor, engaging diverse stakeholders including the private sector, civil society organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, youth groups, women's associations, and other relevant entities. These consultative discussions are intended to ensure that the strategic plan encapsulates the multifaceted perspectives and requirements of the ASEAN community.

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