Republic of the Philippines
Republic of the Philippines
EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, Australia

AMBASSADOR MORALES HIGHLIGHTS PH ASEAN CHAIRSHIP WITH ASEAN-AU EMERGING LEADERS

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PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

27 March 2026, CANBERRA - Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales welcomed ASEAN-Australia Centre Head Fiona Hoggart, representatives from the Asia Institute of the University of Melbourne, and 31 emerging leaders from across Southeast Asia and Australia to the Embassy, for an engagement under the 2026 ASEAN Chairship of the Philippines.

The Emerging Leaders Program on Fostering Foreign Policy and Security Leadership is supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre and contributes to the mission of building a network of future leaders equipped to strengthen regional cooperation and drive positive change.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales outlined the Philippines’ strategic focus for its ASEAN Chairship, anchored on the three pillars of the ASEAN Community and articulated through the “3Ps”:

  • Peace and Security Anchors – advancing stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on non-traditional security challenges;
  • Prosperity Corridors – fostering inclusive growth through economic integration, digital transformation, and sustainable development; and
  • People Empowerment – promoting social inclusion, protecting vulnerable groups, and strengthening a shared sense of ASEAN identity.

He emphasized that emerging leaders play a crucial role in ensuring ASEAN remains resilient, dynamic, and responsive amid evolving regional and global challenges.

Ms. Fiona Hoggart expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s engagement and reaffirmed Australia’s strong support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship. She also noted the significance of 2026 as the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring Australia’s longstanding commitment as ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner in 1974 and its first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in 2021.

For more information on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, visit: https://asean2026.gov.ph or follow https://www.facebook.com/asean2026ph.- END

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