CIVIL services in Asean member states can play a major role in supporting further integration of the Asean Community, said YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, at the 17th Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting in Iioilo City, Philippines.
The meeting was part of the Philippines’ chairmanship of Asean 2017, under the theme of ‘Partnering for Change, Engaging the World’.
Delivering his statement yesterday at the meeting’s plenary session, the minister said that the civil service can serve as a catalyst in shaping context and institutional structure, together with strong organisational capabilities to consider major policy issues and take effective action.
In this regard, the Minister welcomed the finalisation of the ‘Asean Leaders’ Declaration on the Role of Civil Service as Catalyst for Achieving Asean Community Vision 2025’. The document will be signed by Asean heads of state or governments at the 30th Asean Summit in Manila, next month.
The Minister’s declaration reaffirmed the commitment of civil services within Asean member states to support further integration of the Asean Community, while at the same time strengthening capacity through programmes and the sharing of best practices among member states.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of ASCC’s key message in raising more awareness of Asean’s role and function for the past 50 years, which he said can only be achieved through the continued support and involvement of all sectors in every society.
He also called for a more united approach from all parties, in order to reap the benefits and advantages from what the Asean Community has to offer.
YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, in a group photo at the event
The 17th ASCC Council Meeting was chaired by Judy Marigomen Taguiwalo, the Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The meeting was also attended by ASCC ministers and their representatives.
Through its chairmanship, the Philippines has identified six thematic priorities: to realise a people-oriented, people-centred and people-driven Asean; to advance peace and stability in the region through interfaith dialogue, moderation, peace-building and the upholding of the rule of law; to strengthen maritime cooperation to maintain the region’s peace, stability and prosperity; to promote inclusive growth through continuous support of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as increasing support of the ownership of the Asean Economic Community among stakeholders; to reinforce Asean’s resilience and foster continued regional growth; and to project Asean as a model of regionalism and a major player on the global stage.
Among the minister’s delegation to the 17th ASCC Council Meeting were Haji Mohd Noor Jusmin bin Haji Abdul Samad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and several senior officials.
The Philippines will host the 18th ASCC Council Meeting on September 13-14, in Tagaytay City.
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