Foreign Ministers and top council officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met today for the 38th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting to finalize a “results-driven” agenda for the 48th ASEAN Summit, scheduled to take place today, Friday, May 8.
Chaired by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the ACC meeting served as the final preparatory session to ensure that regional leaders, led by Philippine President and current ASEAN Chair Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., have a clear and coherent roadmap for deliberation.
“Today, we will review the implementation of the decisions and commitments made by our Leaders at the previous summit,” Secretary Lazaro stated in her opening remarks. “We must ensure the agenda before our leaders is clear, coherent, and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for our region.”
The ACC, which oversees coordination across ASEAN’s three community pillars, emphasized that interconnected global challenges require a unified response. Secretary Lazaro was joined by fellow Philippine cabinet members: Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque (Chair of the ASEAN Economic Community) and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian (Chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community).
The council underscored that no single nation can address today’s economic pressures and geopolitical risks in isolation. Secretary Lazaro noted that the 48th Summit serves as a critical platform for leaders to chart a common direction through “ASEAN Centrality” and “unity.”
Under the Philippine Chairship, Secretary Lazaro highlighted three urgent thematic priorities that will dominate the leaders’ discussions:
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Regional Energy Security and Resilience: Addressing the stability of energy supplies amid global fluctuations.
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Food Security: Ensuring the accessibility and affordability of food for the region’s population.
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Protection of ASEAN Nationals: Safeguarding the welfare of citizens, particularly those affected by ongoing economic pressures and geopolitical tensions in regions such as the Middle East.
The meeting also marked a significant milestone as the bloc begins the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The ACC used the session to take stock of progress in connectivity and community-building, aiming to ensure the region remains resilient over the next two decades.
“In the face of common challenges, ASEAN is called upon time and again to demonstrate the strength of our unity, resilience, and practical cooperation,” Lazaro concluded, expressing gratitude to member states for their support during the first ACC meeting under the Philippine Chairship.
The 48th ASEAN Summit will commence today, where heads of state are expected to adopt several key declarations and agreements aimed at fostering a more integrated and secure Southeast Asia.
