The Philippines is currently hosting the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, bringing together leaders from across Southeast Asia for one of the region’s biggest diplomatic gatherings. But what exactly is ASEAN, and why is it important?
ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional organization formed on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand. It was created by five countries — the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand — to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The agreement that officially established ASEAN was signed by the five countries’ foreign ministers, who are now recognized as the “Founding Fathers” of the organization. Over the decades, ASEAN expanded to include Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and, most recently, Timor-Leste, which officially joined in 2025.
Today, ASEAN is made up of 11 member-states working together on issues involving trade, security, diplomacy, culture, and economic growth.
Why Do Countries Hold ASEAN Summits?
The ASEAN Summit is considered the highest-level meeting in the regional bloc. It is where Southeast Asian leaders gather to discuss major regional concerns, strengthen partnerships, and agree on shared goals for the future.
The first ASEAN Summit took place in Bali, Indonesia in 1976. Since then, the meetings have become a major platform for cooperation not only among ASEAN countries, but also with global partners such as China, Japan, Australia, India, Canada, and the United States.
This year’s 48th ASEAN Summit is being held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, until May 8. Several ministerial meetings are also taking place ahead of the main summit, including discussions on political security, economic cooperation, and regional development.
The Philippines has previously chaired ASEAN in 1987, 1999, 2006, and 2017. It will also host the 49th ASEAN Summit later this year after Myanmar backed out of hosting duties.
The official theme of this year’s summit is “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
What to Expect in Other ASEAN 2026 Host Locations
Aside from Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City, the Philippines has also confirmed several locations across the country that will host ASEAN-related meetings and events throughout 2026.
Pasay City is expected to host the 49th ASEAN Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center, where heads of state and top leaders will meet for high-level discussions, plenary sessions, and major diplomatic signings.
Manila and Quezon City will host diplomatic briefings, cultural showcases, media engagements, and business forums that highlight ASEAN cooperation and regional partnerships.
Clark and Tagaytay City are set to host ministerial meetings, policy dialogues, and international conferences, taking advantage of their convention facilities and strategic accessibility.
In the Visayas, Iloilo City and Bohol will host economic, tourism, and regional development meetings aimed at strengthening connectivity and local industry cooperation. Boracay is expected to hold tourism and hospitality-focused events showcasing the Philippines as a leading travel destination in the region.
In Northern Luzon, Laoag City will host cultural exchanges and regional discussions that highlight heritage tourism and local development initiatives. Meanwhile, Mandaue City will serve as a key support hub for coordination, logistics, and ASEAN-related side events in the Cebu metropolitan area.
Altogether, the Philippines is expected to host around 650 ASEAN-related gatherings nationwide, making it one of the country’s largest and most significant international diplomatic undertakings in recent years.
What Issues Are Being Discussed This Year?
One of the most closely watched topics in this year’s summit is the proposed Code of Conduct on the South China Sea. The agreement aims to create rules that could help prevent conflicts in the disputed waters claimed by several countries in the region.
Negotiations on the Code of Conduct have been ongoing for years, but Philippine officials recently said there have been encouraging developments in talks between ASEAN member-states and China.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also said the Philippines will focus discussions on food security, energy security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals working or living abroad.
As the host country, the Philippines is expected to push for stronger regional cooperation and peaceful relations among nations — goals that have remained at the core of ASEAN since it was founded nearly six decades ago.
