Twenty-three Junior Fellows have begun a four-week attachment programme at the ASEAN Secretariat, gaining first-hand experience of regional cooperation through mentorship, diplomatic engagement, and institutional learning. Supported by Brunei Darussalam and Japan, the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of ASEAN leaders.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, officially inaugurated the Fifth ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme (AJFP) during an opening ceremony held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The four-week programme, which runs from 27 July to 21 August 2026, brings together 23 Junior Fellows for an immersive learning experience designed to deepen their understanding of ASEAN’s institutions, regional cooperation, and policymaking processes.

Generously supported by the Governments of Brunei Darussalam and Japan, the AJFP reflects ASEAN’s continued commitment to investing in young professionals and future leaders. By providing participants with practical exposure to the work of the ASEAN Secretariat, the programme seeks to strengthen regional capacity and cultivate a new generation of individuals equipped to contribute to ASEAN’s long-term development and integration.

Throughout the programme, the Junior Fellows will be attached to various divisions within the ASEAN Secretariat, allowing them to gain valuable insights into the organisation’s day-to-day operations and policy priorities. In addition to their institutional attachments, participants will engage with the diplomatic community in Jakarta, interact with ASEAN-associated entities, and take part in a range of activities that highlight the importance of collaboration across the region.

The fellowship also provides a unique platform for participants to develop professional networks while broadening their understanding of ASEAN’s role in addressing regional challenges and advancing shared aspirations. Through direct engagement with policymakers, diplomats, and regional stakeholders, the fellows will gain a comprehensive appreciation of ASEAN’s cooperative framework and its impact on the lives of more than 680 million people across Southeast Asia.

As ASEAN continues to strengthen regional integration and resilience, initiatives such as the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme play an important role in fostering leadership, enhancing institutional knowledge, and inspiring greater commitment to regional cooperation. The continued support of Brunei Darussalam and Japan underscores the value of partnerships in building a capable and forward-looking ASEAN community.

Source: ASEAN

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with ERIA President Professor Tetsuya Watanabe at the ASEAN Headquarters to discuss strengthening collaboration in support of the region’s economic integration agenda. Their discussions focused on key priorities, including energy resilience and the digital economy.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today welcomed the President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Professor Tetsuya Watanabe, to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat for a high-level discussion on advancing regional economic cooperation. The meeting reaffirmed the close partnership between ASEAN and ERIA in supporting the region’s long-term development and integration goals.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s economic integration priorities. Particular attention was given to enhancing energy resilience and accelerating the development of the digital economy, two strategic areas that are increasingly important to the region’s sustainable growth and competitiveness.

The discussions also underscored the value of evidence-based research and policy support in helping ASEAN respond to emerging regional and global challenges. As one of ASEAN’s key knowledge partners, ERIA continues to contribute research, policy recommendations and technical expertise that support the implementation of the Association’s economic agenda.

The engagement reflected the shared commitment of ASEAN and ERIA to fostering deeper regional cooperation and promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic development. By strengthening collaboration across priority sectors, both organisations aim to help ASEAN remain adaptable and competitive in an evolving global landscape.

The meeting further reinforced the enduring partnership between the ASEAN Secretariat and ERIA, highlighting their collective efforts to support ASEAN Member States in advancing regional integration and delivering tangible benefits to the people of Southeast Asia.

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, briefed the diplomatic corps and media on the outcomes of ASEAN’s ministerial meetings in Manila, highlighting regional cooperation, ASEAN centrality, and preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit. The briefing also reflected on the successful commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, briefed members of the diplomatic corps and the media at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat on the key outcomes of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and its related meetings, which took place in Manila, the Philippines, from 18 to 24 July 2026. Representatives from ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and International Organisations (ACTCs) also joined the briefing virtually.

The week-long series of meetings included the Post-Ministerial Conferences (PMC), the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 16th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum. The programme concluded with commemorative events marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), underscoring the agreement’s enduring role in promoting peace, stability, and regional cooperation.

Among the key highlights of the anniversary celebrations was the signing ceremony of the Instruments of Accession to the TAC by Lithuania, Sweden, Romania, and Poland, further expanding the treaty’s global reach. The High-level Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the TAC also reaffirmed the importance of the treaty as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s regional architecture and its commitment to peaceful dialogue and mutual respect.

During the briefing, Dr. Kao emphasised ASEAN’s continued central role in shaping the regional architecture through its ASEAN-led mechanisms, which remain vital platforms for dialogue, confidence-building, and practical cooperation among member states and external partners. He also highlighted the strong support demonstrated by ASEAN’s dialogue partners towards the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, the region’s long-term strategic vision for sustainable development, resilience, and deeper integration.

The Secretary-General noted that the outcomes of the ministerial meetings have laid important groundwork for the 49th ASEAN Summit and related Summits, scheduled to be held in Manila later this year. The briefing was livestreamed via the ASEAN Secretariat’s YouTube channel, allowing broader public access to updates on ASEAN’s priorities and regional initiatives.

Source: ASEAN

The Philippines, as ASEAN Chair in 2026, hosted a series of commemorative events in Manila to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). The milestone was marked by the accession of four new High Contracting Parties and a high-level conference reaffirming the treaty’s enduring relevance.

The Philippines commemorated the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) by hosting a series of high-level events in Manila on 24 July 2026, officially designated as ‘TAC Day’. Organised as part of the country’s role as ASEAN Chair, the celebrations underscored the treaty’s enduring significance as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability and cooperation.

The commemorative programme brought together senior representatives of the High Contracting Parties to the TAC from across ASEAN and beyond. A key highlight was the signing ceremony for the Instruments of Accession of four new High Contracting Parties, reflecting the treaty’s continued appeal and growing international recognition as a framework for peaceful relations and dialogue.

Another major feature of the occasion was a high-level conference that convened policymakers, diplomats and regional stakeholders to discuss the TAC’s contribution to fostering mutual respect, non-interference, peaceful dispute settlement and cooperation among nations. Participants also exchanged views on the treaty’s evolving role in addressing emerging regional and global challenges while preserving ASEAN’s centrality.

Originally signed in 1976, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation has become one of ASEAN’s most important legal instruments, providing guiding principles for interstate relations in the region. Over the past five decades, an increasing number of countries and organisations have acceded to the treaty, demonstrating broad international support for its principles of peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement.

The 50th anniversary celebrations reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening regional unity, dialogue and rules-based cooperation. By designating 24 July as ‘TAC Day’, the Philippines highlighted the treaty’s lasting legacy while encouraging continued collaboration among its High Contracting Parties in promoting peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.

Source: ASEAN

Police chiefs and senior law enforcement officials from across ASEAN and partner organisations convened in Manila to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime and emerging security threats. The ASEAN Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional law enforcement collaboration and supporting ASEAN’s security agenda.

The 44th ASEANAPOL Conference convened Chiefs of Police and senior law enforcement representatives from ASEAN Member States, together with ASEANAPOL’s Dialogue Partners and Observers, in Manila, the Philippines, from 22 to 26 July 2026. The annual gathering served as a key platform for fostering regional cooperation, enhancing operational coordination and strengthening collective responses to transnational crime and evolving security challenges.

The Conference provided an opportunity for participants to exchange best practices, share operational experiences and discuss strategies to address increasingly complex cross-border threats. Through closer collaboration and information-sharing, ASEANAPOL continues to reinforce its role in promoting regional peace, stability and public security amid a rapidly changing security landscape.

Representing the ASEAN Secretariat, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Political-Security Community, H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, led the Secretariat’s delegation to the Conference. During the discussions, he highlighted recent developments in ASEAN’s law enforcement cooperation and underscored complementary regional initiatives aimed at strengthening collective security, improving institutional coordination and enhancing the capacity of Member States to combat transnational crime.

The Conference also reaffirmed the importance of sustained partnerships among ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners and Observer organisations in addressing shared security concerns. Participants recognised that stronger cooperation, coordinated action and continued information exchange remain essential to tackling emerging criminal threats while safeguarding peace, stability and prosperity across the region.

As ASEAN continues to advance its Political-Security Community agenda, the outcomes of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference reinforce the region’s collective commitment to strengthening law enforcement cooperation, promoting mutual trust and building a more secure and resilient ASEAN for the future.

Source: ASEAN

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening human rights cooperation across Southeast Asia during its Special Meeting 1/2026 in Manila. The Commission advanced key regional initiatives, engaged ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the ASEAN Secretary-General, and outlined priorities for 2027.

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) convened its Special Meeting 1/2026 in Manila, the Philippines, from 18 to 21 July 2026, bringing together AICHR Representatives, Alternate Representatives, AICHR Assistants, and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat. Chaired by H.E. Georgina Ann Hernandez Yang, Acting Chair of AICHR, the meeting focused on advancing the Commission’s regional human rights agenda, strengthening institutional cooperation, and addressing emerging challenges affecting ASEAN Member States.

A key highlight of the meeting was AICHR’s 16th annual interface with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, held on 20 July on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM). During the session, the Acting Chair presented AICHR’s Statement to the AMM and submitted the Commission’s 2027 Priority Programmes and Activities together with its Annual Report 2026. The dialogue enabled ASEAN Foreign Ministers, Vice Ministers and Senior Officials to provide strategic guidance on mainstreaming human rights initiatives and responding to contemporary issues, while reaffirming continued support for AICHR’s work. On the same day, AICHR also held its 15th annual interface with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn to discuss priority areas, cross-pillar collaboration, and strengthening the Commission’s mandate through the ASEAN Secretariat.

The Commission reviewed several major regional initiatives aimed at enhancing human rights protection across ASEAN. Discussions included the development of a Regional Plan of Action for the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, as well as follow-up measures to implement the ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development. AICHR also considered a proposed ASEAN Declaration on the Right to Mental Health of Children in the Digital Age, recognising the growing impact of digital technologies on children’s mental well-being.

Representatives also exchanged updates on national and regional human rights developments and reported on upcoming initiatives, including the fourth consultation on the right to development and AICHR’s first activity in Timor-Leste. The meeting further explored common regional approaches on issues such as gender-based violence, poverty eradication, child immigration detention, disability inclusion, trafficking in persons, rights-based policing, and the promotion of a culture of human rights.

Institutional matters, including the implementation of AICHR’s Five-Year Work Plan (2026–2030), its monitoring and evaluation framework, engagement with civil society organisations, and enhanced cooperation with ASEAN sectoral bodies and external partners, were also discussed. The Commission concluded by expressing appreciation to AICHR Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat for successfully hosting the meeting.

Source: ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)

The High-Level Conference reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability and cooperation. ASEAN Foreign Ministers and High Contracting Parties also exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to address evolving regional and global challenges.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, participated in the High-Level Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in Manila, the Philippines, as part of the commemorative activities marking the Treaty’s 50th anniversary. The conference brought together ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ministerial-level representatives of the High Contracting Parties to celebrate five decades of the landmark treaty, which has served as a foundation for peace and cooperation across the region.

Held alongside ASEAN-related meetings in Manila, the conference highlighted the enduring significance of the TAC in promoting peaceful relations, mutual respect and constructive dialogue among its signatories. Since its adoption in 1976, the treaty has remained a key framework guiding relations among ASEAN Member States while attracting an increasing number of countries from outside the region to accede to its principles.

During the conference, participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to upholding the purposes and principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. The gathering underscored the treaty’s continued relevance in fostering regional peace, stability and prosperity amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for High Contracting Parties to exchange views on strengthening cooperation and enhancing collaboration in addressing shared regional and global challenges. Discussions reflected a shared determination to ensure that the TAC remains an inclusive and effective framework for dialogue, confidence-building and peaceful dispute settlement.

As ASEAN commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, the conference reinforced the organisation’s commitment to ASEAN Centrality and its vision of maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region through dialogue, cooperation and adherence to international law.

Source: ASEAN

Discussions focused on advancing the Five-Point Consensus and proposals for a longer-term ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar.

ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting lasting peace in Myanmar during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and Extended Informal Consultation on 21 July 2026. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the regional bloc remained committed to the Five-Point Consensus as the main framework for restoring peace and stability in the country.

Adopted in 2021, the consensus called for an immediate end to violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, humanitarian assistance, the appointment of a special envoy and visits by the envoy to facilitate discussions among stakeholders. Secretary Lazaro said ASEAN aimed to support a solution that was owned and led by Myanmar while benefiting its people and the region.

The ministers also considered proposals raised during earlier informal consultations in Bangkok, including a mechanism to assess progress in Myanmar and the possible appointment of a long-term ASEAN Special Envoy. The current envoy serves a one-year term. Lazaro said further deliberations among senior officials would be required before the proposals could be incorporated into ASEAN outcome documents.

Source: ASEAN 2026 PH

The Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila, where ministers and representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN Centrality and strengthening regional dialogue on political and security issues.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, participated in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held in Manila, the Philippines, alongside Foreign Ministers and representatives from the ARF Participants. The annual meeting provided an important platform for dialogue on regional peace, security and cooperation amid an evolving geopolitical landscape.

During the meeting, participants discussed efforts to further strengthen the ASEAN Regional Forum as a key mechanism for promoting confidence-building, preventive diplomacy and practical cooperation. They also exchanged views on a range of regional and international developments affecting peace, stability and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific.

A key outcome of the meeting was the reaffirmation of support for ASEAN Centrality, underscoring ASEAN’s continued role in shaping the regional architecture. ARF Participants reiterated their commitment to maintaining the Forum as an inclusive and responsive platform that facilitates constructive dialogue among its members.

The discussions highlighted the importance of sustained multilateral engagement in addressing shared political and security challenges. Participants recognised the value of the ARF in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing cooperation and promoting peaceful approaches to regional issues through dialogue and consensus.

As one of the region’s longest-standing security dialogue platforms, the ASEAN Regional Forum continues to serve as a vital avenue for collaboration among its participants. The 33rd ARF reinforced the collective commitment to strengthening regional cooperation while supporting ASEAN-led mechanisms that contribute to peace, stability and sustainable development across the wider region.

Source: ASEAN

ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers reviewed progress under the APT Cooperation Work Plan (2023–2027) during their meeting in Manila, reaffirming their shared commitment to deeper regional cooperation, resilience and integration. The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration to address emerging regional and global challenges.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, participated in the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Manila, the Philippines, where Foreign Ministers and senior representatives from ASEAN Member States, the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea gathered to review the progress of regional cooperation under the ASEAN Plus Three framework.

During the meeting, Ministers assessed the implementation of the APT Cooperation Work Plan (2023–2027), which serves as the strategic roadmap for advancing collaboration across a broad range of sectors. Discussions focused on achievements to date and explored priorities for enhancing cooperation in response to evolving regional and global developments.

The APT countries reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening and deepening cooperation, recognising the importance of working together to address emerging challenges while promoting sustainable growth, regional integration and resilience. The discussions underscored the enduring value of the ASEAN Plus Three partnership as a key mechanism for fostering peace, stability and prosperity in East Asia.

The meeting also reflected the shared determination of ASEAN and its Plus Three partners to reinforce practical collaboration and maintain momentum in implementing initiatives that contribute to economic recovery, connectivity and long-term regional development. Ministers emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and coordinated action in navigating an increasingly complex regional landscape.

The 27th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers or their representatives from all ASEAN Member States, the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, together with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, reaffirming the collective commitment of the APT partnership to building a more resilient, inclusive and forward-looking region.

Source: ASEAN