Dr Kao Kim Hourn outlined ASEAN’s strategic direction for 2026, highlighting outcomes of the AMM Retreat and support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, hosted the first media engagement session of 2026 with Jakarta-based media on 4 February 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat. The session provided an opportunity to discuss ASEAN’s regional priorities and strategic outlook for the year ahead.
During the engagement, Dr Kao highlighted the outcomes of the recently concluded ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) Retreat, held in Cebu, the Philippines, on 28–29 January 2026. He outlined key developments in ASEAN’s work, particularly under the ASEAN Philippines Chairship 2026, noting progress across political, security, and regional cooperation agendas.
Dr Kao emphasised that the AMM Retreat had established a proactive framework to enable ASEAN to navigate ongoing geopolitical shifts and emerging global challenges. He underscored the importance of unity, adaptability, and coordinated regional responses in maintaining ASEAN’s centrality and relevance amid an evolving international landscape.
He also reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s full support for the success of the Philippines’ 2026 Chairship, which carries the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” According to Dr Kao, the theme reflects ASEAN’s collective commitment to strengthening regional resilience, cooperation, and shared prosperity in the years ahead.
Source: ASEAN
