The forum gathered ASEAN entities, centres and partners to discuss regional integration, cooperation and ASEAN Community Vision 2045
The 10th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN concluded on 13 May 2026 at ASEAN Secretariat, bringing together ASEAN entities, centres and regional stakeholders to commemorate a decade of collaboration in advancing regional integration and community-building. Held under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the forum reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to unity, resilience and ASEAN Centrality amid evolving global challenges.
The two-day forum served as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN-associated entities and institutional partners. More than 400 participants from 70 ASEAN entities and centres attended the event, including representatives from the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN. The gathering also marked the first edition of the forum to include public participation through activities co-hosted by ASEAN centres and entities.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasised the importance of collective action and regional solidarity. He stated that ASEAN’s strength rested on unity, shared purpose and the ability to transform diversity and challenges into opportunities for progress. He also noted that the success of ASEAN should be reflected in the tangible benefits experienced by people across the region in their daily lives.
Discussions throughout the forum highlighted the role of ASEAN entities in supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, particularly in enhancing regional connectivity, inclusivity, sustainability and cooperation. Participants also welcomed the accession of Timor-Leste as a significant milestone for the ASEAN community.
A key feature of the second day was a Project Proposal Workshop jointly organised by the Community Relations Division and the Programme Cooperation and Project Management Division of the ASEAN Secretariat. The workshop focused on strengthening participants’ practical understanding of ASEAN trust funds and regional cooperation funding mechanisms.
The forum was supported by the German Federal Government through the GIZ-ASEAN cooperation project, which has partnered with the forum since its establishment. Ralf Beste highlighted the longstanding ASEAN-Germany partnership in his congratulatory remarks, noting shared commitments to multilateralism, climate action, maritime security and regional trade cooperation. He also described the forum as a cornerstone of ASEAN-Germany cooperation in supporting ASEAN Vision 2045.
This year’s forum coincided with the 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Germany Development Partnership. To commemorate the milestone, the “Growing Together” exhibition is being held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat until 25 May 2026, showcasing the achievements and milestones of the ASEAN-Germany partnership over the past decade.
The forum concluded with renewed emphasis on strengthening institutional cooperation, enhancing regional engagement and supporting ASEAN’s long-term vision for an inclusive and people-centred community.
Source: The ASEAN Secretariat
