Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli hosted the 13th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication and Related Meetings (AMRDPE).
2 The 13th AMRDPE took place from 21 to 22 November 2023, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, and adopted the theme ‘Strengthening Community-based Approaches and Social Protection for Poverty Alleviation’. The bi-annual meeting brought together ministers, senior officials and representatives from ASEAN organisations to discuss strategies for poverty eradication and inequality in ASEAN. It discussed the importance for governments to strengthen partnerships and to collaborate with the private and people sectors, so that we can collectively uplift the lives of the people in the region.
3 During the official dinner, Minister Masagos presented the ASEAN Leadership Awards on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication that recognise outstanding organisations in the ASEAN region for their contributions to rural development and poverty eradication. The Singapore awardees are Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities (Civil Society Organisation Category), which provides a comprehensive range of social services and programmes for families in need and serving more than 55,000 beneficiaries, as well as DBS Bank (Private Sector Category), which supports vulnerable communities and catalyses social impact through its active volunteerism and philanthropic efforts.
4 The successful conclusion of the 13th AMRDPE reflects the commitment of ASEAN member states in promoting regional cooperation and addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in the region. The outcomes of the meeting will contribute to the region’s effort to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
13th AMRDPE Media Release