New york city: The Philippines, as this year's chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will steer the bloc and ensure that the region remains 'on track' to becoming the world's 4th largest economy. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made the statement during a dialogue hosted by the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) in New York City, where she also outlined ASEAN's priorities for 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro emphasized that the Philippines' chairship will focus on advancing regional peace and security, strengthening economic cooperation and resilience, and promoting a more people-centered ASEAN community. She stated, "The Philippine Chairship in 2026 has set out an ambitious policy agenda to ensure that our region of 684 million people in 11 countries remains on track to become the fourth largest economy in the world."
Lazaro highlighted the bloc's goals to invest in resilience against current and emerging threats to regional peace and stability. The ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan seeks to achieve economic integration that is innovative, dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable. The plan aims to build a people-centered and people-oriented ASEAN Community.
The initiative, starting this year, also prioritizes resilient supply chains, strengthened energy and food security, sound economic policies, and effective responses to shifting job demands. Areas of focus include digital transformation, innovation, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), intellectual property, consumer protection, energy, transport, minerals, and tourism.
At the New York dialogue, Lazaro addressed the shifting geopolitical landscape, noting the global challenges marked by upheaval, uncertainty, and unpredictability. Recent global events such as the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements are influencing both economies and battlefields.
Lazaro pointed out the increased frequency and strength of climate-related disasters and the influence of fast-evolving technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). She remarked on the challenges posed by the shifting global power dynamics, reinterpretation of international law, and the increase in unilateral actions.
In response to these global developments, ASEAN aims to enhance regional integration and cooperation. Lazaro concluded that ASEAN's strategy focuses on stronger multilateralism and peaceful engagement grounded in international law, positioning the bloc as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among nations.
