In supporting the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development AMMSWD, the Seventeenth Meeting of The Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development SOMSWD, plays a central role in recommending regional policies, developing and implementing the five-year regional workplan, and managing partnerships to advance social welfare and development in ASEAN. Attending on behalf of Brunei Darussalam was Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary for Community and Culture, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The Meeting via video conference was co-chaired by Her Excellency Ramrung Worawat, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand.

With the theme Strengthening Partnerships towards the Betterment of ASEAN, the meeting aims to enhance the well-being and improve the quality of life of older persons, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in ASEAN. Earlier the 16th ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development was held yesterday via video conference. The meeting will continue with the 16th ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development to be held today.

Also held was the 1st ASEAN Outstanding Social Development Awards for Social Welfare and Development. The award aims to enhance SOMSWD's engagement with various stakeholders. The recipients of the First AOSWADA Award 2021 from Brunei Darussalam are Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam for the NGO/CSO Category, and Imagine Sendirian Berhad for the Private Sector Category.

Source: Radio Television Brunei