Quang Ninh hosts 18th ASEAN GO-NGO forum on social welfare

The 18th ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development was held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in Ha Long city this morning.

The event gathered representatives from Government agencies, non-government organisations of ASEAN member nations, the ASEAN Secretariat, UN agencies, and international organisations operating in social welfare and development in Vietnam and the region. 

Addressing the ceremony, Director of the MoLISA’s International Cooperation Department, Luu Quang Tuan, said countries should focus on more sustainable and long-term strategies for pandemic management, control and prevention because the cessation of the COVID-19 emergency status does not imply the disappearance of pandemics.

Countries should carefully consider emerging trends in the region, such as demographic changes, migration, the impact of climate change, and advancements in science and technology, along with persistent issues of poverty and diverse inequalities, he said, adding that these are significant challenges that demand responses from the social welfare systems and measures of ASEAN member countries.

He suggested participants engage in open discussions, and shared viewpoints for finalizing recommendations of the forum, which will serve further discussions among senior officials and as a foundation for ASEAN Ministers to formulate social welfare policies that meet the demands of people, especially vulnerable groups, in the coming time.

The recommendations of this two-day forum will be submitted to the 19th SOMSWD slated for November 15-17.