ASEAN calls for unity as Philippines takes 2026 chairship

JAKARTA, Jan 20, 2026 (KPT) – ASEAN Secretary General Dr.Kao Kim Hourn has urged member states to strengthen unity and uphold a rules based regional order as the bloc begins its work under the Philippines’ 2026 chairship.

Speaking at the opening of the first 2026 meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) in Jakarta on January 20, Dr.Kim Hourn praised Malaysia’s leadership in 2025, noting its role in steering ASEAN through geopolitical and economic challenges and mediating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

“The Philippines’ chairship begins at a moment when ASEAN must be both agile and principled,” Kao said, stressing the need for deeper internal resilience and constructive external engagement amid an unpredictable geopolitical landscape.

He highlighted that 2026 marks the first year of implementing ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, shifting focus from vision setting to delivery.

The CPR, coordinating across ASEAN’s three Community pillars, will play a central role in ensuring follow through on commitments.

Dr.Kim Hourn also cited ASEAN’s integration of Timor Leste, the importance of balanced engagement with dialogue partners, and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which he described as increasingly relevant amid rising regional tensions.

“ASEAN must continue to champion sovereignty, territorial integrity, restraint, and a rules based order with consistency and credibility,” he said.