ASEAN boosts social resilience with focus on skills, climate, and care economy
ASEAN is stepping up efforts to build a more inclusive and people-centred region by investing in human development, health, culture and climate resilience under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar.
In a joint communiqué following the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the bloc reaffirmed its focus on data-driven policymaking and collaboration across sectors. This includes the rollout of a new platform on the care economy.
'It will explore the valuation of care work, the implications of demographic shifts, and the development of sustainable care policies,' it said.
Ministers also expressed strong support for growing ASEAN's cultural and creative economy. They welcomed the new sustainability framework for creative industries and looked forward to adopting the Melaka Declaration.
'Cultural heritage has the potential to promote economic growth, social cohesion, cultural preservation and sustainability,' it said.
Addressing the growing concerns over disinformation, ASEAN reiterated its commitment to building a safer digital environment.
The communiqué noted regional efforts to 'strengthen ASEAN's cohesion and mutual understanding, enhance cooperation in combating fake news and disinformation, and promote the safe and responsible use of social media platforms.'
On future skills, Malaysia is leading the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025.
The region is also expanding green jobs training and preparing a ministerial action plan to help workers adapt to rapid changes in labour markets, especially through AI and sustainability-focused upskilling.
The bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting migrant workers, pledging to promote fair recruitment and better reintegration systems, while acknowledging 'the principle of shared and balanced responsibilities of the receiving and sending ASEAN Member States.'
Health security remained a priority, with ASEAN aiming to improve regional drug and vaccine self-reliance under the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on Drug Security and Self-Reliance.
It also supported wider access to diagnostics and efforts to tackle malnutrition and ageing through nutrition plans and active ageing strategies.
On disaster preparedness, ASEAN committed to strengthening the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) framework and continuing humanitarian support through the AHA Centre.
Ministers commended the centre's rapid response following the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar.
'It played a vital role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, supporting and facilitating relief operations, and ensuring timely and effective humanitarian response,' they said.
The communiqué also emphasised stronger regional climate action, including the operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change and preparing a joint statement ahead of COP30.
'We reaffirmed our collective commitment to jointly addressing the global challenge of climate change,' it said.
Other focus areas include gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection and rural development.
The ASEAN Villages Network and the One Village One Product initiative were highlighted as efforts to reduce urban-rural disparities and boost community-based growth.
The bloc is also preparing a declaration on future-ready public service, aiming to make ASEAN governance more digital, ethical and people-centric.
These efforts reflect ASEAN's long-term vision for a united, resilient and sustainable community by 2045.
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