ASEAN Summit opens in Manila with focus on regional unity amid global changes

MANILA, the Philippine  — 15 November 2026, The 49th ASEAN Summit officially opened, bringing together Southeast Asian leaders and international partners to emphasise regional unity and cooperation amid changes in the global political and economic landscape.

Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife, arrived at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila at 08:32 local time, one hour ahead of Thailand, to attend the welcoming ceremony for ASEAN leaders ahead of the summit’s official opening.

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos welcomed Anutin and his wife. The two couples exchanged greetings, shook hands and posed for photographs before the Thai delegation proceeded to the Delegation Lounge.

The Philippines also arranged electric tricycles, known locally as e-trikes, as one of the transport options for visiting leaders.

ASEAN leaders and their spouses later gathered for a group photograph near the entrance to the Plenary Hall before the opening ceremony.

ASEAN unveils updated emblem and flag

The opening ceremony began at 09:00 with the unveiling of an updated ASEAN emblem and the raising of an updated ASEAN flag, accompanied by the ASEAN Anthem.

President Marcos and the ASEAN Secretary-General then participated in a ceremony to present the updated flag and an official certificate.

The Philippine president delivered welcoming remarks to participating leaders and delegates, followed by a cultural performance titled “Movement as One”, highlighting the cultural diversity and shared identity of ASEAN member states.

The ceremony reflected the summit’s emphasis on maintaining ASEAN unity and strengthening cooperation as the region responds to changing international circumstances.

Digital economy agreement takes centre stage

Another highlight of the opening ceremony was the formal presentation of the signed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

The chair of the ASEAN Economic Community Council presented the agreement to President Marcos, who subsequently handed it to the ASEAN Secretary-General.

The agreement represents an effort by ASEAN member states to strengthen digital economic integration, improve cross-border connectivity and facilitate trade within the region.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the 2026 ASEAN Prize, recognising individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to regional cooperation and ASEAN community development.

World leaders join ASEAN summit

The opening ceremony brought together heads of state, government leaders and representatives from ASEAN member countries, alongside leaders of dialogue partners and international organisations.

According to the Thai government’s account, participants included the Chinese premier, the presidents of South Korea and the United States, and the prime ministers of Japan, India and Australia.

Russia was represented by its foreign minister, while the United Nations Secretary-General also attended.

Special guests invited by the ASEAN chair included the president of Brazil, the prime minister of Canada and the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Anutin to hold talks with ASEAN leaders and Lao premier

Anutin’s schedule for 15 November includes participation in the 49th ASEAN Summit plenary session in the morning, followed by a working lunch with ASEAN heads of state and government.

He is also scheduled to attend the ASEAN leaders’ retreat, an informal session intended to provide an opportunity for discussions on key regional issues.

In the afternoon, the Thai prime minister is expected to hold bilateral talks with the prime minister of Laos.

He will then participate in meetings between ASEAN leaders and representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).

The summit and related meetings are expected to provide a platform for discussions on regional cooperation, economic integration and ASEAN’s response to developments in the international environment.