ASEAN at the Helm: Assessing the Philippines' Chairship and ASEAN’s Future Trajectory

About the Discussion

ASEAN at the Helm is a two-track discussion series bringing together policymakers, diplomats, academics, practitioners, and young leaders to examine ASEAN’s evolving role in addressing regional and global challenges. As the inaugural session of its three-part cycle, Phase 1 brings together experienced policy experts and young leaders to assess the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship. The discussion will explore its key achievements, outstanding challenges, and broader implications for ASEAN’s regional leadership.

Background

The Philippines assumed the ASEAN Chairship in 2026 amid mounting regional challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea, geopolitical competition, instability in Myanmar, and climate-related risks. Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Philippines established three priorities: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment.

As the Chairmanship approaches its conclusion, this discussion offers an opportunity to evaluate how these priorities have translated into regional outcomes and what lessons they offer for future ASEAN leadership. Beyond the Philippines’ performance, it will also consider how ASEAN can maintain cohesion, strengthen cooperation, and remain relevant amid an increasingly complex regional environment.

Details of the Event:

• Date : Thursday, 12 November 2026

• Time : 03:00 - 05:00 PM (Manila Time)

• Venue: Ideation Room, The Atrium @ Benilde, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, 1040 Arellano Avenue, corner of C. Ayala Street, Don Pedro Street, Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines

  
  

Speakers:

• Richard Javad Heydarian, Member of the Advisory Board at We Protect the Seas (WPS) Foundation

• Josephine Romero, Senior Adviser for Digital, AI, and Semiconductors to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines

Moderator:

• Noto Suoneto, Founder of Foreign Policy Talks

Registration

Join us for an engaging discussion on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and the future of regional cooperation.

• Register here: https://foreignpolicytalks.com/ASEAN-PH-1

  
  

We look forward to welcoming you!

---