The Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), Verónica das Dores, took part in the 31st Meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC), which took place on March 24th, 2024, in Luang Prabang, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The theme of the meeting was “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”. 
The ASCC, one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, is dedicated to strengthening and promoting the social, cultural and human dimensions of cooperation between member countries to improve the quality of life of their populations. 
During the meeting, which ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and the ministers of social affairs of ASEAN and Timor-Leste as an observer country attended, emerging trends, challenges and recommendations in the definition of the ASCC Strategic Plan were discussed, including digitalisation, demographic change, climate change and engagement with the various stakeholders. 
Minister Verónica das Dores expressed special greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for its Presidency of ASEAN for the year 2024.
The minister said that “Timor-Leste is gradually gaining trust and learning from the ASEAN member states on the work related to the ASEAN Plan of Action” and expressed her “gratitude to the ASEAN experts for the training provided to national government officials, especially on the socio-cultural side”. 
At a meeting dedicated to improving connectivity and resilience, the Minister emphasised the importance of sharing challenges, lessons learned, and best practices among ASEAN member states, highlighting Timor-Leste’s commitment to contributing to this discussion.
Verónica das Dores also announced “the establishment of an eventual committee in the National Parliament to monitor the process of joining ASEAN”.
Lastly, the Minister reiterated that this meeting represented an “excellent opportunity to increase Timor-Leste’s confidence and capacity in ASCC affairs and strengthen our regional network with ASEAN member states. As an observer, Timor-Leste fully supports all the outcome documents approved by the member states and the regional commitments for their implementation.”
During the 31st ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council Meeting, participants identified key priorities in two main areas: “Improving Connectivity” and “Improving Resilience”. Concerning Connectivity, economic integration, sustainability, and digital transformation were emphasised, as well as the crucial role of culture and the arts. Concerning resilience, strategic plans, the centrality of ASEAN, environmental cooperation, promoting women’s and children’s rights, and strengthening the health sector were emphasised. Member states showed full support for the Lao Presidency and hope for positive outcomes for ASEAN, including implementing the ASEAN Perspective on the Indo-Pacific.
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