ASEAN has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing occupational safety and health (OSH) across the region through stronger policy coordination, knowledge sharing and regional cooperation, reinforcing its vision of creating safer, healthier and more sustainable workplaces for millions of workers.
The commitment was demonstrated during the 13th ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET) Conference and the 27th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting, held in Da Nang, Viet Nam from 7–9 July 2026. The meetings brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat and international partners to strengthen regional collaboration on workplace safety and health.
Addressing Emerging Workplace Challenges
A key outcome of the meetings was the adoption of the ASEAN-OSHNET Work Plan 2026–2030, which sets the strategic direction for regional cooperation over the next five years.
The new work plan addresses emerging challenges that are reshaping workplaces across ASEAN, including:
- Digital transformation and artificial intelligence in the workplace
- Occupational safety in the informal economy
- Psychosocial risks and emerging occupational diseases
- Climate change and the transition to green jobs
- Stronger regional capacity building and knowledge sharing
The roadmap builds upon the achievements of the previous 2021–2025 work plan while preparing ASEAN’s workforce for future economic and technological developments.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The conference also marked Viet Nam’s assumption of the ASEAN-OSHNET Chairmanship for the 2026–2027 term, succeeding Thailand, while Brunei Darussalam assumed the role of Vice-Chair. Delegates also witnessed the formal handover of the ASEAN-OSHNET Secretariat from Viet Nam to Brunei Darussalam, ensuring continuity in regional cooperation.
The meetings attracted approximately 120 delegates, including representatives from ASEAN Member States, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI), China, Japan and other regional and international partners.
Preparing ASEAN’s Workforce for the Future
As workplaces continue to evolve through technological innovation and changing employment models, occupational safety and health has become increasingly important in supporting sustainable economic growth.
Regional cooperation under ASEAN-OSHNET will focus on:
- Enhancing workplace safety standards
- Promoting healthier working environments
- Strengthening labour inspection and enforcement
- Sharing best practices and technical expertise
- Improving preparedness for future workplace risks
These initiatives aim to help ASEAN Member States build safer, more productive and more resilient labour markets while supporting the region’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Supporting ASEAN Community Vision 2045
The adoption of the new work plan aligns with the broader ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which emphasises inclusive growth, sustainable development and people-centred regional integration.
By strengthening occupational safety and health systems, ASEAN seeks to improve workers’ well-being while fostering more resilient industries capable of adapting to future economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Looking Ahead
As ASEAN continues to advance regional integration, ensuring safe and healthy workplaces will remain fundamental to sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Through stronger cooperation, forward-looking policies and collaboration with international partners, ASEAN is building a safer future for its workforce—one that embraces innovation while safeguarding the health, dignity and well-being of workers across the region.
