ASEAN

Today, we commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ on Ascension Day, a sacred occasion that inspires faith, hope, and reflection. May this blessed day bring peace, grace, and harmony to all.

Warmest birthday wishes to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia!

On this special occasion, we extend our sincere wishes for His Majesty the King’s continued good health and happiness, and for the enduring peace, progress and prosperity of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Long live the King!

The 38th ASEAN-Australia Forum was held today in Sydney. The Forum provides a platform for Senior Officials of ASEAN and Australia to review the progress of ASEAN-Australia relations and discuss its future direction, including in light of the 5th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) this year and the implementation of the new Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Australia CSP (2025-2029). Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues.

Photo credit: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Executive Director of ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), Rothna Buth, along with representatives from the Embassy of Germany to Indonesia, ASEAN and Timor-Leste, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and Vallon GmbH. They discussed ways to advance regional cooperation and capacity development in humanitarian mine action in ASEAN.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered Remarks at the 10th Huawei ICT Competition Asia-Pacific Final and Award Ceremony, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.

He underscored ASEAN's commitment to harnessing digital technologies as a primary driver of resilient and inclusive growth, and highlighted the significance of the forthcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in establishing an integrated digital ecosystem across the region.

Read the full remarks:https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SG-Dr-Kao-Remarks-at-10th-Huawei-ICT-Competition-13-May-2026_As-Delivered.pdf

H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, received H.E. Lee Chul, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (RoK) to ASEAN, at the ASEAN Secretariat for an introductory meeting.

The meeting focused on ongoing cooperation and future collaboration in socio-cultural priority areas, particularly in (1) environment, (2) culture and information, (3) disaster management and humanitarian assistance, (4) sustainable development, (5) education, youth, and sports, (6) health, (7) labour and TVET, (8) civil service, as well as (9) poverty reduction and gender equality.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered Opening Remarks at the 2nd AIPA ConNEXT: Connecting Leaders, Building the Next Path of Leadership, themed "Navigating Our Future Together: Empowering the Next Generation of ASEAN Leaders," held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.

He underscored the critical importance of investing in the next generation of ASEAN leaders, particularly at this pivotal juncture marking the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Dr. Kao called on young participants to engage with openness and courage in navigating and shaping the region's future.

Read the full remarks:https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SG-Dr-Kao-Remarks-at-2nd-AIPA-ConNext-13-May-2026_As-Delivered.pdf

This year, we take a moment to reflect on the journey of the Forum of Entities and Centres Associated with ASEAN, not merely as a series of milestones, but as a story shaped by people, shared experiences, and meaningful connections.

Over the past decade, this Forum has brought together individuals and institutions across the region, each contributing in their own way to a common vision of a stronger, more connected ASEAN Community.

Through this exhibition, we relive those moments of collaboration, learning, and growing together, reminding us that ASEAN is built not only through frameworks and initiatives but through the dedication and commitment of its people.

This journey has also been made possible by the steadfast support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) over the past ten years, walking alongside ASEAN Centers and Entities every step of the way.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, today met with Australia’s SOM Leader, Michelle Chan, on the sidelines of the 38th ASEAN-Australia Forum in Sydney, Australia. Both sides took the opportunity to exchange views on the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), particularly in light of its 5th anniversary this year, as well as on regional and international issues of shared interest and concern.

Photo credit: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received a courtesy call by the newly-appointed United Nations (UN) Liaison Officer to ASEAN in Jakarta, Mr. Filon Morar, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During the meeting, Dr. Kao congratulated Mr. Filon Morar on his appointment, and both sides discussed ways on how to bring the ASEAN-UN Comprehensive Partnership to the next level.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the Socio-Cultural Community, H.E. San Lwin, delivered Closing Remarks at the 10th ASEAN Entities Forum, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia, on 12 May 2026.

He reflected on the breadth and depth of the day's discussions, spanning the geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape confronting the region, the historic integration of Timor-Leste into the ASEAN family, and the pivotal role of ASEAN Entities in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

DSG San Lwin underscored that ASEAN Entities are active architects of the region's future, and called upon all participants to translate the spirit of the Forum's discussions into concrete commitments and meaningful action in the days ahead.