Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,

I find it most appropriate that my first interaction with the ASEAN foreign ministers’ circle relates to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.  For the ASCC has much to do with change and making change work for all of us.

Our fast-changing world could mean great prosperity for all of us.  And through the ASCC it is our hope that global and regional changes do not lead to social and cultural disruptions.  But rather, usher in greater understanding and appreciation of our diverse societies and peoples.

It is in this spirit that I am pleased to present to you the fruit of our work and that of our officials: the draft ASEAN Socio-Cultural Plan of Action.  The draft has been reviewed, revalidated and revised by the various ASEAN sectoral bodies, the ASEAN Standing Committee and ASEAN Senior Officials.

With your support and approval, we hope for its endorsement to our Leaders for their Summit in Vientiane on 30 November.

I hope you will allow me to make a few more remarks before asking Ambassador Lauro Baja to make a brief presentation on the ASCC.

If you recall, the Philippines submitted the first draft Plan of Action at the Special SOM Brainstorming Session for the Vientiane Plan of Action in Laos last December 2003. In formulating the plan, consultations were held with the National Committee on Culture and Information (COCI). Concerned agencies and institutions involved in drafting regional programs in social development were also consulted.

We incorporated their proposals, and those agreed upon by our Leaders concerning the youth, women and children at last year’s Summit.

At the Ministers Retreat in Halong Bay, Vietnam, last March, the Philippines briefed you on the progress of our work on the Plan of Action.  We also presented the priority areas where regional cooperation could be pursued.

It was agreed then that focus would be given on public health, people-to-people contacts, including dialogues and language learning. Further, the ASEAN Foundation should be given an active role in supporting the Plan of Action. Since then, several revisions have been made on the draft Plan of Action. We have incorporated all the proposed amendments of member countries.

We thank you for your cooperation and I would like to extend my appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat for organizing the two (2) Workshops of the Whole. The draft Plan of Action has four strategic thrusts with major goals based on ASEAN Vision 2020, the Bali Concord II and other ASEAN commitments contained in declarations and multilateral agreements.

The appendix to the Plan of Action lists the specific measures or activities for the long-term period. The list of measures that appear are non-exhaustive, and if necessary, subject to change by the sectoral committees, following further adjustments.

The final draft Plan of Action before us is a result of all your contributions, and is reflective of the rich and dynamic socio-cultural fabric of our region. It is our social agenda to build a community of caring societies in the midst of the global challenges and growing economic integration.

Thank you.