At the invitation of H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines and Chair of ASEAN for 2026, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to Cebu, Philippines, for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.
Scheduled from 6 to 8 May 2026, the Summit convenes under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” This year’s agenda focuses on strengthening regional resilience, accelerating digital transformation, and ensuring inclusive growth amidst a complex global landscape.
Prior to the arrival of the Heads of State, Secretary-General Dr. Kao will participate in a series of critical ministerial-level dialogues designed to refine the regional roadmap. These include:
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ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM): Addressing regional security concerns and external relations.
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31st ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting: Strengthening the framework for peace and stability within the bloc.
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38th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting: Overseeing the implementation of cross-pillar initiatives.
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ASEAN Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting: Bridging the gap between diplomatic policy and regional economic integration.
Reflecting a commitment to localized economic development, Dr. Kao will also attend the Special Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit. This meeting aims to bolster trade, tourism, and investment within the sub-region to narrow the development gap.
“The 48th Summit represents a pivotal moment for ASEAN to consolidate our gains and chart a unified course through the challenges of the decade,” said a spokesperson for the ASEAN Secretariat. “The theme ‘Navigating Our Future, Together’ underscores our collective resolve to remain a central force for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
