Manila:Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat Delegation to the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila, Philippines, from November 14 to 17, 2026. The theme for this year’s summit is ‘Navigating Our Future, Together.’

According to Association of SouthEast Asian Nation, key events on the sidelines of the Summits will include the Ceremonial Unveiling of the Updated ASEAN Emblem and the Raising of the Updated ASEAN Flag. Additionally, there will be the ASEAN Prize Presentation Ceremony and the signing of the Instruments of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia by the Republic of Cyprus, the Slovak Republic, and the Republic of Slovenia.

Ahead of the Summits, Dr. Kao is set to participate in several ministerial meetings on November 14, 2026. These include the 28th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 32nd ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting, and the 39th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting. Dr. Kao is also scheduled for bilateral meetings with ministers and high-level representatives from ASEAN Member States and External Partners of ASEAN.

This series of meetings will serve as an opportunity to evaluate the progress under the Philippines’ Chairship in 2026, plan for the future, and reaffirm ASEAN’s dedication to peace, stability, and security in the region.