Southeast Asian leaders attending the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here on Wednesday approved a report indicating that the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint is at a crucial turning point, according to a news release by the ASEAN Secretariat.

Implementation of the blueprint has been "generally positive" over the past four years with about 90 percent of the action lines carried out, according to the Final Report of the Mid-Term Review of the Implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Blueprint.

"But its implementation has reached a critical juncture," the report by an independent consultant said. "While many stipulated action lines are achieved or on track, it is important to closely monitor such ongoing action lines including those still under formulation to ensure that concerted and timely actions are taken. "

The report has spelled out nine priority recommendations for pushing ahead with the implementation of the blueprint. Among them are reviewing and resetting targets in the various socio-cultural sectors covered by the blueprint, as well as enhancing monitoring tools and strengthening the ASEAN Secretariat.

It also highlighted the importance of carrying out these recommendations, calling for the creation of a core group comprising senior officials along with representatives of ministerial sectoral bodies and the ASEAN Secretariat to set priorities and develop an action plan.

In addition, the report listed findings under five of the six " characteristics" on which the blueprint is based, including human development, social welfare and protection, social justice and rights, ensuring environmental sustainability and building ASEAN's identity.

The ASCC blueprint, adopted in 2009, aims to contribute to realizing a people-centered and socially responsible ASEAN Community by forging a common identity and building a caring and sharing society. Endi

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