JAKARTA, 12 March 2026 – The 78th Meeting of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force was convened today at the ASEAN Secretariat/ASEAN Headquarters. Chaired by Noy Choumneanh, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN and Chair of the IAI Task Force 2026, the meeting was attended by IAI Task Force Members from all ASEAN Member States (AMS) and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat.
The meeting reviewed the overall progress in the implementation of projects under the IAI Work Plan IV (2021–2025) and discussed measures to ensure their timely and effective completion of ongoing projects. While Work Plan IV formally concluded in December 2025, implementation of several projects will continue until mid-2026 to ensure full delivery of planned outputs and outcomes.
During the meeting, three (3) new projects were accredited, bringing the total number of IAI projects under the Work Plan IV (2021–2025) to 120. These projects cover 21 out of the 24 actions (87.5per cent) across the five strategic areas, as well as all four enabling actions. This achievement underscores the substantial progress achieved under Work Plan IV (2021-2025) and reaffirms ASEAN’s sustained commitment to narrowing development gaps and promoting equitable growth.
The meeting also noted progress in the development of the Implementation Plan for the newly adopted IAI Work Plan V (2026–2030), including efforts to ensure close alignment with the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030. The IAI Task Force Members received further updates on the proposed carry-over of selected pending projects from Work Plan IV for continuation under Work Plan V, where appropriate, to ensure continuity and sustained impact.
The IAI Task Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and coherent transition from Work Plan IV to Work Plan V and to strengthening ASEAN solidarity in advancing inclusive, resilient and sustainable development across the region.