Philippine Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Rex T. Gatchalian led the Philippine delegation to the 31st ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) Meeting held in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR on 24 March 2024.

During the meeting chaired by Lao Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, officials discussed possible strategies and approaches to shape the ASCC Post-2025. The officials also shared their perspectives and positions on the present and emerging challenges, trends, and opportunities facing the ASCC.

The Meeting adopted a total of nine documents, including the Joint Statement of the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community Ministerial Meeting, which will be put forward during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits taking place in Vientiane in October 2024.