President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged deeper regional solidarity among ASEAN member states during the 2025 ASEAN Summit, expressing strong support for Malaysia’s leadership and this year’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Speaking during the summit’s plenary session, President Marcos emphasized that inclusivity must serve as a foundation—not merely a byproduct—of development, especially in today’s complex and interdependent global environment.
“In this increasingly interconnected world, we find ourselves and our gains at risk when our current stability is challenged,” the President said. “Geopolitical tensions, unexpected trade barriers, and the unprecedented impact of climate change have the potential to disrupt our communities, supply chains, and remove our hard-earned progress.”
The President outlined 10 key action points, calling for stronger collaboration across ASEAN in confronting shared challenges such as:
-
Climate change and environmental resilience
-
Public health and future pandemic preparedness
-
Inclusive and sustainable economic recovery
-
Youth empowerment and education
-
Workforce upskilling for long-term growth
President Marcos also emphasized the importance of institutional resilience, advocating for robust, coordinated responses to crises that threaten regional security and development.
Underscoring the Philippines’ enduring commitment to peace and maritime security, the President reiterated the call for a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to ensure regional stability and prevent conflicts. He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ position against transnational crime and human trafficking, while urging greater climate financing to help ASEAN meet its environmental targets.
“We underscore the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea,” he said.
President Marcos commended Malaysia for convening the Special ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and welcomed the region’s consensus to avoid retaliatory trade measures, reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to diplomacy and rules-based trade.
In closing, the President highlighted ASEAN’s expanding global partnerships since 2017 and called on the bloc to remain outward-looking, guided by the principles of peace, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
The Philippines pledged full support for Malaysia’s upcoming 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ASEAN’s vision for a stronger, more united region.
