Makati City, March 4 (AseanAll) — The Philippines on March 4, 2026 urged stronger regional cooperation to address evolving, interconnected challenges as it led the High-Level Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Forum 2026 in Makati City.
Speaking during the opening of the ASCC Council Forum, Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian described these challenges as “wicked problems,” which he said will have a domino effect, worsen displacement, and create food insecurity and poverty.
“The issues we face are not merely complex; they are what experts call ‘wicked problems.’ Wicked problems are deeply interconnected, constantly evolving, and resistant to single-sector for short-term solutions,” Gatchalian said.
“Each of these challenges reinforces the other. Excellencies, these are problems no Member State can resolve alone. With these wicked problems that continue to affect the region, we are once again reminded of our role to strengthen our collaboration toward a resilient and people-centered community.”
These problems, Gatchalian said, include widening inequalities, the effects of climate change that complicate economic losses, weather and water-related challenges, and rising global temperatures.
The High-Level ASCC Council Forum 2026, chaired by the DSWD, convened to identify actionable strategies for a more resilient, cohesive, and people-empowered ASEAN.
The DSWD chief also described the ASEAN being at a complex crossroads dealing with multiple and intersecting crises that greatly hinder the enjoyment of the rights of the people.
But Gatchalian expressed optimism that, with Wednesday’s forum, ASEAN members could navigate together the complex and multifaceted issues and learn how member states explore potential solutions to address the most pressing problems the region faces.
“We are now provided with the opportunity to directly hear from ASEAN Member States through their ministers and heads of delegations as we answer difficult questions and highlight efforts of the ASEAN Community in these trying times,” Gatchalian said.
“We shall bring to the fore our experiences, insights, and vision while bearing in mind why we come together today: the people of ASEAN,” Gatchalian said.
Stressing that the strength of ASEAN rests on cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect, Gatchalian called for further deepening of this tradition and translating it into bold coordinated actions.
The Philippines is leading the High-Level ASCC Council Forum 2026, which brings together ministers, senior officials, experts, youth leaders, and development partners to prioritize people empowerment for ASEAN’s forward trajectory.
On Tuesday, the DSWD chaired the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) meeting, also held in Makati City.
This week’s meetings will culminate with the 35th ASCC Council Meeting, where regional ministers will formally adopt key frameworks and finalize priority social policies for Southeast Asia.
