Da Nang, Viet Nam, 7-9 July 2026 – The ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing digital transformation in occupational safety and health (OSH) during the 13th ASEAN-OSHNET Conference (AOC 13) and the 27th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting (CBM 27), held in Da Nang, Viet Nam, from 7 to 9 July 2026.
Held under the theme “Advancing Digital Transformation in Occupational Safety and Health Management in ASEAN Towards the ASEAN Vision 2045,” the conference brought together delegates from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the International Labour Organization (ILO), employers’ and workers’ organizations, and ASEAN-OSHNET partner organizations to exchange knowledge, policies, and innovative practices for enhancing workplace safety and health across the region.
Discussions highlighted the growing role of digital technologies in OSH management, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data, computer vision, electronic health records, national OSH information systems, and online occupational accident reporting platforms. Participants shared experiences and explored practical approaches to harness digital innovation in support of safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces.
The Coordinating Board Meeting marked the launch of the ASEAN-OSHNET Work Plan 2026–2030, providing a strategic framework for regional collaboration on emerging OSH priorities. The Work Plan focuses on key challenges facing the future of work, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, the green economy, the green transition, psychosocial risks, and emerging occupational diseases.
The Board also reviewed recent ASEAN developments, including the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan, and the regional monitoring and evaluation framework. Members reaffirmed the importance of aligning ASEAN-OSHNET initiatives with broader ASEAN priorities to strengthen policy coherence and enhance regional impact.
The meeting welcomed Timor-Leste’s continued engagement in ASEAN cooperation and acknowledged its progress towards full ASEAN membership. Participants also reaffirmed the value of partnerships with international organizations and dialogue partners while maintaining the principle of ASEAN Centrality.
The meeting concluded with the successful transition of the ASEAN-OSHNET Chairmanship from Thailand to Viet Nam, while Brunei Darussalam assumed the Vice-Chairmanship for the 2026–2027 term. ASEAN-OSHNET expressed its appreciation to Thailand for its leadership during the 2025–2026 Chairmanship and looked forward to continued collaboration under Viet Nam’s leadership in advancing safe, healthy, and resilient workplaces throughout ASEAN.
ASEAN-OSHNET
News: Thailand
