On October 15, within the framework of the 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers' Conference, the 8th ASEAN + Japan Senior Officials' Conference on Sports (SOMS + Japan) was held with the co-chairmenhip of Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration and Ms. Keiko Momii - General Director of the Japan Sports Agency.
This conference marks an important transition period, when the 2021-2025 cooperation plan is about to be finalized and ASEAN countries and Japan begin planning a new strategy for the 2025-2030 period.
Over the years, sports cooperation between ASEAN and Japan has developed steadily with many practical programs, focusing on areas such as physical education, sports for people with disabilities, promoting gender equality and improving the capacity of sports coaches. These activities are being implemented under the coordination of Japan, contributing positively to the sustainable development of the region.
Reporting at the conference, a representative of the ASEAN Secretariat said that ASEAN-Japan sports cooperation is currently based on four main pillars: developing human resources in physical education, promoting women to participate in sports, supporting sports for people with disabilities and strengthening anti-doping.
The results achieved from the 7th SOMS + Japan Conference (Vinh Phuc, 2024) as well as the projects being implemented show strong commitment from both sides.
At the conference, the two sides agreed on 5 strategic goals by 2030, including: expanding training and research in physical education; enhancing the role of women in sports; developing integrated sports; building a transparent, non-doping sportscape; promoting management and innovation capacity in modern sports.
Delegates highly appreciated Vietnam's role in technical coordination as well as Japan's proactive contributions through initiatives such as "Sport for Tomorrow" or "ASEAN Football4SDGs Forum". These programs not only promote professional sports but also spread community values and sustainable development throughout the region.
