Manila, November 2026 : The 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits began in Manila, the Philippines, on Sunday, with regional leaders discussing key issues including energy security, food security, economic cooperation and digital transformation.
The summit, being held from November 15 to 17, brings together leaders from ASEAN member states to strengthen regional cooperation and address emerging global challenges.
During the opening ceremony, an updated ASEAN emblem was unveiled to reflect the inclusion of Timor-Leste as the bloc's newest member. Timor-Leste formally joined the regional organisation during 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 on Saturday by ministers from ASEAN member countries.
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, the agreement represents a major milestone in the region's digital transformation. It aims to build an open, secure, interoperable, competitive and inclusive digital economy across Southeast Asia. The framework is expected to enter into force in early 2027.
ASEAN Calls for Coordinated Global Response
Addressing the opening ceremony, President Marcos said ASEAN should strengthen its partnerships with the international community to develop a coherent and coordinated response to global challenges.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended the ceremony as guests of the chair, highlighting the bloc's engagement with partners beyond Southeast Asia.
The discussions at the summit are expected to focus on strengthening regional economic ties, improving energy and food security, and expanding cooperation in areas affecting the region's long-term stability and growth.
The ASEAN Summit is generally convened twice a year, with one meeting held during the first half and another during the second half of the year.
Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN as 11th Member
Established in 1967, ASEAN is a regional organisation aimed at promoting cooperation, peace and economic development among Southeast Asian countries.
With Timor-Leste's inclusion, the grouping now comprises 11 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.
The updated emblem unveiled at the opening ceremony reflects the organisation's expanded membership.
Senior Officials' Meeting Held Ahead of Summit
Preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit were advanced during the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), held in Manila on November 13.
According to a statement released by ASEAN on X, senior officials discussed key issues concerning ASEAN Community-building efforts and the organisation's external relations.
The meeting was attended by ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting Leaders or their representatives, along with ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political-Security Community, Dato' Astanah Abdul Aziz.
The three-day summit and related meetings are expected to provide an important platform for regional leaders to review cooperation priorities, strengthen partnerships and develop a coordinated approach to economic and strategic challenges facing Southeast Asia.
