When the Philippines assumed the 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it set the 11 member-states on a collective voyage to a shared future of peace and security, economic prosperity and an empowered citizenry.
Inspired by the theme “Navigating our Future, Together,” a series of ministerial meetings from January to April charted a prudent and strategic course for the agenda now before the Leaders’ Summit. The ministers focused discussions on improving coordination for peace, advancing energy security and resilience, regional financial cooperation and capital development, climate change adaptation, digital transformation and supporting Timor-Leste’s integration.
But as war in the Middle East broke out, ASEAN ministers took the time to make ASEAN’s position clear and address the war’s impact on the region and its people. Energy security amid Middle East conflict Thus, the second Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers on April 13 underscored strengthening regional energy security and economic resilience and emphasized the value of solidarity in navigating the external economic shocks; protecting and ensuring the safety and welfare of ASEAN nationals; and enhancing energy preparedness through power integration, shift to renewable energy and prioritizing energy supply to ASEAN member-states in times of crisis.