ASEAN leaders gather in Manila for a three-day summit focused on energy security, food supplies and economic cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits opened in Manila on Sunday, with regional leaders discussing energy security, food security, economic cooperation and responses to global challenges.
The three-day summit, running from November 15 to 17, brings together leaders from ASEAN member states and international partners to discuss regional priorities and strengthen cooperation.
During the opening ceremony, ASEAN unveiled an updated emblem reflecting Timor-Leste’s membership in the regional bloc. The country joined the organisation at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia in October 2025.
Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who is chairing ASEAN in 2026, also handed over the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. The agreement was signed by ministers from ASEAN member countries on Saturday.
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the agreement represents a significant step in the region’s digital transformation, aiming to establish an open, secure, interoperable, competitive and inclusive digital economy.
It is expected to enter into force in early 2027.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Marcos called for stronger international partnerships to address emerging global challenges, saying ASEAN should work with the wider international community to develop a coordinated and coherent response.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended the ceremony as guests of the ASEAN chair.
Digital cooperation and regional priorities
The digital economy agreement is among the key developments accompanying this year’s summit, as ASEAN seeks to strengthen regional integration and expand cooperation across its member states.
The summit’s agenda also includes discussions on energy and food security, alongside broader economic cooperation and ASEAN’s engagement with external partners.
Established in 1967, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.
The regional grouping generally holds two summits each year, one during the first half and another in the second half.
Preparations for the Manila summit began with the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on November 13, where representatives discussed key issues concerning the ASEAN Community and its external relations.
The meeting was attended by ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting leaders or their representatives, along with Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political-Security Community Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz.
The discussions helped advance preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
The Manila gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for regional leaders to strengthen cooperation on shared economic and security concerns while exploring ways to deepen ASEAN’s partnerships with countries beyond Southeast Asia.
