Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to ASEAN, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the outcomes of the Secretary-General of ASEAN’s recent visit to Qatar and preparations for convening the inaugural ASEAN–Qatar Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee (JSCC) Meeting. Both sides underscored the importance of continued coordination and engagement in advancing ASEAN–Qatar relations and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 9 November 2026, delivered pre-recorded remarks at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026, which was held in Brussels, Belgium.
Under the theme “From Capital to Confidence,” Dr. Kao highlighted ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen investment confidence, regional connectivity, seamless and trusted travel, and sustainable and resilient tourism. He also underscored the importance of regional cooperation and partnerships in translating tourism potential into quality investment and lasting benefits for communities and destinations.
Watch the full remarks: youtu.be/VIHBWYytwtk
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H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, attended the 25thASEAN Senior Law Officials’ Meeting (ASLOM) and the 5th ASLOM-Japan Consultation held on 10-12 November 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The ASLOM discussed legal issues of common interest, reviewed progress on ongoing initiatives, and explored ways to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks in support of a rules-based ASEAN Community. The 5th ASLOM-Japan Consultation provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss and explore potential collaboration and partnership in furthering the ASEAN-Japan cooperation in the field of law and justice, promoting the rule of law, including capacity-building.
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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered pre-recorded remarks at the 2nd ASEAN Women’s Economic Summit (AWES) 2026, held in Manila, the Philippines, on 10 November 2026. Held under the theme “Weaving the ASEAN Future: Women Driving Innovation, Integration, and Inclusion,” the Summit brought together business leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders from across ASEAN to advance women’s economic participation and strengthen regional collaboration.
In his remarks, SG Dr. Kao underscored the importance of women’s economic empowerment and meaningful participation in ASEAN’s economic development as a key driver of ASEAN’s inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He highlighted the need to promote greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises, strengthen their access to trade, investment and innovation, and foster an enabling environment through cross-sectoral partnerships. These efforts are essential to enhancing women’s meaningful participation in regional economic integration and building a more resilient and competitive ASEAN economy.
Watch the full remarks: youtu.be/I3N1F62yAbM
As ASEAN Leaders prepare to gather at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, there will be something else to discover beyond the meeting rooms.
A stroll through the PICC Courtyard will bring visitors to Anito, a sculpture by Philippine National Artist Arturo Luz.
The Courtyard serves as an open-air gallery, with Anito displayed alongside sculptures donated by APEC member economies. Surrounded by landscaped greenery and tranquil ponds, the space offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate art beyond the ASEAN Summit’s meeting rooms.
As the PICC prepares to welcome ASEAN Leaders and delegates, take a moment to discover Anito and the art and scenery around the venue!
#49thASEANSummit
On Timor-Leste’s National Youth Day, we celebrate the energy and contributions of Timorese youth in shaping their communities and contributing to the Timor-Leste’s continued development.
May their ideas, creativity, and determination continue to inspire positive change in Timor-Leste and across our ASEAN Community.
Happy National Youth Day to the people of Timor-Leste!
The 2nd Regional Forum on Human Rights Cities in ASEAN on 3–4 November 2026 in in Makati City, the Philippines. Learn more: aichr.org/news/asean-builds-…
Photo credit: AICHR Thailand
Looking for the ASEAN Pavilion at COP31?
We have you covered! Follow us through the Blue Zone and find your way to the ASEAN Pavilion.
📍ASEAN Pavilion, B220, Blue Zone
Drop by, explore what's happening, and join the conversation on climate action!
See you there!
ASEAN Pavilion at UNFCCC COP31 is supported by the ASEAN-EU-German Climate Action Programme (CAP), a project funded by the European Union (EU) and Germany, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in partnership with the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC) and the ASEAN Secretariat.
#COP31 #ASEANPavilion #ASEANEU #ClimateAction #ASEANGermany #TeamEurope #GlobalGateway
Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines, comprising a group of islands north of Luzon. It is also the Philippines’ smallest province in terms of population and land area. 🇵🇭
Known for its rolling hills, rugged coastlines and traditional Ivatan stone houses, Batanes is home to a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes.
Have you ever visited Batanes? Share your experience in the comments!
ASEAN Leaders will gather at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
The venue hosting this year’s ASEAN Summit has a history of its own. Let’s uncover the story of the venue of ASEAN Summit!
#49thASEANSummit
At the invitation of President of the Republic of the Philippines and Chair of ASEAN for 2026, H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat Delegation to participate in the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, to be held in Manila, the Philippines, on 14-17 November 2026, under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
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, the ASEAN Prize Presentation Ceremony, as well as the signing ceremony of the Instruments of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by the Republic of Cyprus, the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Slovenia.
Ahead of the Summits, Dr. Kao will participate in a series of ministerial meetings, including the 28th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), the 32nd ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting, as well as the 39th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting, on 14 November 2026. In addition, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with ministers and high-level representatives from ASEAN Member States and External Partners of ASEAN.
This series of high-level meetings will provide an opportunity to take stock of ASEAN’s progress under the Philippines’ Chairship in 2026, chart future directions and reaffirm ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability and security in the region.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a pre-recorded video message at the ASEAN-EU High-level Session at the ASEAN Pavilion at UNFCCC COP31,in Antalya, Türkiye, on 10 November 2026,
In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, and ASEAN-EU shared priorities on climate action including faster implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance, loss and damage, an inclusive and just transition, carbon pricing, and nature-based solutions to advance the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action 2023–2027.
youtu.be/BiZZys3KEIk
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to ASEAN, Mr. Mang Hau Thang, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on ASEAN Community-building efforts, the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, and regional and international developments, as well as preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 November 2026 in Manila, the Philippines.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today attended a luncheon hosted by Ambassador of China to ASEAN, H.E. Wang Qing, in Jakarta.
Both sides took the opportunity to exchange views on ways to strengthen the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including preparations for the upcoming 29th ASEAN-China Summit and Related Summits to be held in Manila, the Philippines, later this month.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Mr. Valéry Freland, Executive Director of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH), at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strengthening ASEAN–France cooperation in cultural heritage protection, including the ongoing development of a proposed regional workshop on the post-disaster management of cultural heritage.
The proposed initiative will contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN-France Practical Cooperation Areas 2022-2027, and the ASEAN Work Plan for Culture and Arts 2026-2035.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 10 November 2026, delivered pre-recorded opening remarks at the ASEAN Investment Forum 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together.”
In his remarks, he highlighted ASEAN’s strong investment performance and called for greater efforts to translate investor confidence into investments that drive innovation and support sustainable industrial transformation.
He also underscored the importance of advancing the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan (RIPAP) 2025–2030 through investment-ready projects in renewable energy, sustainable fuels, critical minerals, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
youtu.be/kVqGv_mrYhI
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 9 November 2026, held a one-on-one dinner meeting with President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Professor Tetsuya Watanabe, in Jakarta.
The meeting discussed potential follow-up initiatives arising from Dr. Kao’s recent working visit to Japan, as well as opportunities for ERIA to contribute to advancing ASEAN–Japan cooperation.
The discussions underscored the importance of building on the momentum of the Secretary-General’s visit to further deepen and strengthen the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ASEAN Pavilion at UNFCCC COP31 will bring together representatives from ASEAN Member States, partners, and stakeholders through a series of side events, discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions to exchange experiences and perspectives on climate action and environmental sustainability.
📅 9–20 November 2026
📍 ASEAN Pavilion | UNFCCC COP31 | Blue Zone
Throughout COP31, the Pavilion’s daily programme will showcase regional initiatives and efforts across key areas, including clean energy and sustainable transport, circular economy, climate-resilient cities, climate finance, youth engagement and education, green technologies, and the protection of nature and biodiversity.
Explore the daily programme and join the discussions at the ASEAN Pavilion!
ASEAN Pavilion at UNFCCC COP31 is supported by the ASEAN-EU-German Climate Action Programme (CAP), a project funded by the European Union (EU) and Germany, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in partnership with the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC) and the ASEAN Secretariat.
#COP31 #ASEANPavilion #ASEANEU #ClimateAction #ASEANGermany #TeamEurope #GlobalGateway
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a pre-recorded video message to officially open the ASEAN Pavilion at the 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31), in Antalya, Türkiye, on 9 November 2026.
In his remarks, Dr. Kao reaffirmed ASEAN’s collective commitment to multilateral climate action and highlighted the Pavilion as an inclusive platform to showcase ASEAN leadership on climate action, including through energy transition, climate finance, private sector participation, nature-based solutions and climate resilience, and to advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
youtu.be/huVmNH6vGHY
