ASEAN officials on Thursday moved to finalize a results-driven agenda for the 48th ASEAN Summit, with regional leaders expected to focus on concrete action plans covering energy security, food security, economic integration, and long-term regional cooperation.
During the 38th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting in Cebu City, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the council is working to ensure that discussions among ASEAN leaders remain focused on practical outcomes and coordinated regional action.
The ACC meeting serves as one of the final preparatory sessions before the summit, where ASEAN leaders are expected to discuss major regional and global concerns affecting Southeast Asia.
“Today, we will ensure that the agenda before our leaders is focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for our region,” Lazaro said.
Joining Lazaro at the meeting were Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, chair of the ASEAN Economic Community Council, and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council.
The ACC oversees coordination among ASEAN’s three major community pillars to help align regional programs, policies, and long-term development goals.
Lazaro said the council reviewed the implementation of commitments made during previous ASEAN summits, along with institutional and cross-sector concerns requiring collective guidance from member-states.
She emphasized the importance of stronger regional coordination as ASEAN faces mounting economic and geopolitical pressures, including rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and food security concerns linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
According to Lazaro, ASEAN leaders are expected to focus on practical measures aimed at strengthening regional resilience, protecting ASEAN nationals abroad, improving connectivity, and accelerating economic cooperation.
“The Chair has seized the opportunity of the 48th ASEAN Summit for our leaders to discuss and chart a common direction on concrete actions among our ASEAN family,” Lazaro said, referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who chairs this year’s summit.
The foreign affairs chief also said the meeting allowed ASEAN officials to assess progress in implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the bloc’s long-term roadmap for regional integration, economic growth, and institutional development.
Lazaro thanked ASEAN member-states for their continued cooperation, saying the regional bloc continues to demonstrate unity and practical collaboration in addressing shared regional challenges.