ASEAN

For many across ASEAN, the days leading up to Eid Fitr are closely associated with mudik or balik kampung, the familiar journey home to be with family.   It captures a common feeling across the region: the anticipation of togetherness, the joy of reunion, and the value we place on staying connected across generations.   Wishing you a safe journey back home!

Nyepi Day marks the Balinese Day of Silence in Indonesia, observed as a sacred time for self-reflection, purification, and renewal. May the spirit of Nyepi inspire mindfulness, mutual respect, and harmony within the ASEAN Community.

Traditional lacquerware, locally known as Yun De, from Bagan, is one of Myanmar’s most iconic crafts and a living cultural heritage. Handmade from bamboo and coated with layers of natural lacquer, each piece is carefully dried, polished, and engraved by skilled artisans. This time-intensive process gives Yun De its durability, rich colours, and distinctive beauty. #ASEANCulture

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, H.E. Satvinder Singh, met with H.E. Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN–China Centre (ACC), at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on enhancing collaboration between the ASEAN Secretariat and the ACC in promoting ASEAN-China cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges, including in light of the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year.

On this ASEAN Social Work Day, we honor the everyday heroes at the forefront of community care, support, and empowerment across our region. Social workers are at the heart of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, turning policy into practice to build a resilient and people-centred ASEAN Community. ASEAN is committed to strengthening social work as the cornerstone of inclusive societies, recognising the pivotal role of social workers in protecting rights, leading through crises, supporting vulnerable groups, and strengthening families and communities. Learn more about ASEAN’s commitment on Strengthening Social Work Towards Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community here: bit.ly/SWCRAC

We, the ASEAN Economic Ministers, met at the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Taguig, the Philippines, and exchanged views on the evolving global and regional situation, including the tension in the Middle East and its potential implications for the ASEAN region and global and regional economy. We are also closely following with concern the continued global trade uncertainties and unilateralism. We reaffirmed our commitment to ASEAN Centrality and recognised the need for continued regional coordination, vigilance, and policy preparedness amidst a challenging global environment. We expressed deep concern over the continued tensions in the Middle East. The escalating conflict has generated broader economic repercussions beyond the region, particularly through heightened volatility in global energy markets and disruption of key maritime and supply chain routes, bringing about uncertainty and significant challenges to the economy, businesses, and global trading dynamics. Such disruptions are leading to higher freight, insurance, and logistics costs and contribute to inflationary pressures on energy, food, and other essential goods. A prolonged period of geopolitical instability could pose sustained challenges to the global economic outlook, which has already been battered by multiple headwinds in recent years. It will also impact economic security and stability, the livelihoods of millions of people in the region, and hinder economic progress in ASEAN. Learn more: bit.ly/JS_32AEMR

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, H.E. Gan Kim Yong, on the sidelines of the 32nd AEM Retreat, in Taguig, the Philippines. They discussed a wide range of topics under the ASEAN Economic Community, including Singapore's preparations for its upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, progress of negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), external economic relations, sustainability initiatives, and the current global geo-economic situation. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing ASEAN's economic integration agenda and looked forward to continued close cooperation in the lead-up to Singapore’s Chairmanship.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers convened a Special Meeting on 13 March 2026, via videoconference, to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and to address its implications for ASEAN. The Meeting expressed serious concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East following the attacks initiated by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran on 28 February 2026, and Israeli attack on the Lebanese Republic, and the subsequent retaliatory attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against several countries in the region, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Iraq, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, and the United Arab Emirates, which continue to heighten tensions in the Middle East, and pose a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability. The Meeting called on all countries to respect international law, including the Charter of the United Nations (UN Charter). Learn more: bit.ly/ACS_Mid

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this afternoon participated in the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, held via videoconference and chaired by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, H.E. Theresa P. Lazaro. The meeting discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for regional stability, global economic conditions, and energy security. The Ministers underscored the importance of assisting ASEAN nationals in the affected areas as well as strengthening ASEAN’s ongoing initiatives to enhance regional energy cooperation and supply resilience. Read the ASEAN Chair’s Statement: bit.ly/ACS_Mid Photo credit: Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat

The 78th IAI Task Force Meeting was held on 12 March 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat, chaired by Ambassador Noy Choumneanh, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN and Chair of the IAI Task Force for 2026.   The IAI Task Force Members reviewed progress and accredited three (3) new projects under the IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025), bringing the total to 120. The Meeting also advanced preparations for IAI Work Plan V (2026–2030) to ensure a smooth transition and sustained impact of the Work Plans.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat (AEM Retreat) held in Taguig, Philippines. The AEM Retreat was chaired by the Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines and Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in 2026, H.E. Ma. Christina A. Roque. The Ministers expressed their support for ASEAN’s economic priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 Chairship under the theme of “Navigating Our Future, Together.” The Ministers also exchanged views on the current regional and global economic developments, enhancement of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Performance Monitoring, as well as a number of key initiatives such as the ongoing negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN economic agreements, and ASEAN’s external economic relations issues. The Meeting was preceded by open dialogue sessions with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

At the invitation of H.E. Ma. Christina A. Roque, Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Republic of the Philippines and Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting in 2026, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the delegation of the ASEAN Secretariat to participate in the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat 2026, scheduled to be held in Taguig, the Philippines, on 13 March 2026. This year’s Retreat will see discussions on the recent global and regional economic outlook, the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for its Chairship in 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Performance Monitoring, as well as a number of key initiatives including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations, Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN economic agreements, and ASEAN’s external economic relations, among others. The Ministers will also have dialogue sessions with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), as well as with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, today delivered keynote remarks at the ASEAN Law Forum on Export Control Legal Frameworks in ASEAN and Cooperation through the ASEAN Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, held on 12-13 March 2026 in Manila, the Philippines. DSG Nara highlights the importance of the Forum and its meaningful contribution to the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 by advancing discussion on legal frameworks governing export control and exploring how existing ASEAN cooperation mechanisms can be utilised for further strengthening the collective and collaborative efforts in fostering a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a pre-recorded keynote speech at the ASEAN Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) Seminar held on 12 March 2026 in Manila, Philippines, jointly hosted by the Philippine Space Agency, Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the growing congestion and risks in Earth’s orbit and underscored the need to strengthen regional cooperation on space safety and governance. He called on stakeholders to translate the dialogue into concrete actions that would feed into the anticipated ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Space Cooperation, expected to be adopted at the ASEAN Summit later this year in the Philippines. Watch the full remarks: youtu.be/FBXyHE-nL4Y?si…

The 13th Meeting of the ASEAN-ROK Joint Cooperation Committee (AKJCC) was held today on 11 March 2026 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. The Meeting reviewed the progress of ASEAN-ROK cooperation and discussed its future direction to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The newly-appointed Ambassador Bernardo de Sicart Escoda presented his Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat today, marking the official assumption of his post as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to ASEAN.   Secretary-General Dr. Kao congratulated Ambassador Bernardo de Sicart Escoda on his appointment and reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to work closely with him and the Government of Spain to strengthen ASEAN-Spain relations, both through bilateral copperation and within the framework of the ASEAN-European Union Dialogue Partnership. Ambassador Bernardo de Sicart Escoda underscored Spain’s commitment to advancing cooperation with ASEAN in strategic sectors, such as trade and investment, sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, digital transformation, and connectivity.   Secretary-General Dr. Kao further encouraged the Ambassador to engage with the diplomatic community in Jakarta, in particular with the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR). Both sides looked forward to Spain's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) this year. Ambassador de Sicart Escoda also informed of Spain's intention to establish mechanisms for political dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN, in line with Spain's Strategy for the Asia-Pacific 2026–2029.   Ambassador Bernardo de Sicart Escoda is the fifth Ambassador of Spain to ASEAN. He succeeds Ambassador Francisco Aguilera Aranda, who completed his tenure in July 2025.

In Malaysia, the arrival of Ramadan is often marked by the comforting aroma of bubur lambuk simmering in large pots near mosques and community halls. Traditionally prepared in the late afternoon, bubur lambuk is distributed just before iftar, the breaking of the fast. Community members and volunteers gather to cook and share the dish, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and generosity that characterises Ramadan across the region. Made with rice, coconut milk, aromatic spices such as lemongrass, ginger, and coriander, and often beef or chicken, each region in Malaysia has its own variation of the recipe. Have you ever tried it? #ASEANCulture #Ramdan

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today engaged in an interview with RT in Jakarta to reflect on the current geopolitical developments. During the media interview, SG Dr. Kao touched upon maintaining ASEAN’s principled neutrality and independent decision-making amidst shifting global dynamics, emphasising the importance of inclusive dialogue with all partners to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening attended a working dinner hosted by Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, H.E. Wang Qing. Both sides took the opportunity to exchange views on the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), including the commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the CSP and other key deliverables of ASEAN-China cooperation this year in support of the priorities of ASEAN.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls across the region. Through the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), ASEAN is developing regional guidelines to address child and forced marriage within the context of trafficking in persons, strengthening protection through cooperation with partners, including UNICEF, UNFPA, Plan International, and Australia. Read the publication: bit.ly/ASEANPub_ACFM #IWD2026 #ASEANPublication