The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) has officially commenced the End-Term Review (ETR) of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 with an Inception Workshop held today via video conference. This crucial event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the framework and strategic implementation of the review.

The Inception Workshop, attended by over 100 participants including members of the Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC, ASCC Sectoral Bodies, and the ASEAN Secretariat, facilitated an exchange of views and recommendations on the ETR's approach. The workshop aimed to enhance strategic implementation and ensure a forward-looking perspective for the ASCC.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASCC, Ekkaphab Phanthavong, emphasized the workshop’s significance as a pivotal step in reviewing the ASCC Blueprint 2025. Phanthavong highlighted the importance of showcasing ASCC milestones and achievements, and drawing lessons that could shape the ASCC's direction beyond 2025. He also noted the adoption of 103 ASCC Declarations aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life for ASEAN citizens and the ASCC’s commitment to data management, including the launch of the ASCC Database for Monitoring and Evaluation System.

Michael Costa, Program Director of the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiatives, underscored the strong historical ties between ASEAN and Australia. He stressed the role of the ETR in evaluating the effectiveness of implemented strategies and understanding their impact on member states. Costa emphasized that the review will provide critical insights for developing the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, ensuring that ASEAN remains responsive to emerging trends and socio-cultural issues.

The ETR is designed to assess the implementation and progress of the ASCC Blueprint 2025, focusing on creating a socio-cultural community that engages and benefits ASEAN’s people while promoting inclusivity, resilience, sustainability, and dynamism. The review will help determine if the programs and initiatives under the Blueprint are meeting their intended goals and provide data-driven insights for future planning.

Additionally, the ETR aims to guide stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding ASCC priorities, resource allocation, and continuous learning within the ASCC Pillar. The review is being conducted by the Altamont Group, supported by the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4ASEAN Futures) under the project “End-Term Review of the Implementation of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025.”