PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

25 May 2026, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio A. Morales welcomed the second cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program on Fostering Foreign Policy and Security Leadership to the Philippine Ambassador’s Residence during the cohort’s visit to Canberra. The event was attended by representatives of the ASEAN Committee in Canberra (ACC), the ASEAN-Australia Centre, the Asialink at the University of Melbourne, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and emerging leaders from Southeast Asia.

Among those present were DFAT Assistant Secretary for the Southeast Asia Maritime Branch Hon. Sarah Hooper, ASEAN-Australia Centre Director Narelle Hallion, and Asialink Head of International Partnerships Yung Nietshke. Representatives from the ASEAN Committee in Canberra, including the Heads of Missions and representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Singapore, also joined the engagement.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales highlighted the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future Together,” and reiterated the Philippines’ strategic priorities under the “3Ps” framework: Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment. He emphasized the need for ASEAN to remain resilient, dynamic, and responsive amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regional challenges.

Ambassador Morales also briefed participants on the outcomes of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings held in Cebu from 06 to 08 May 2026, particularly ASEAN’s priorities on regional energy security and resilience, food security, and the protection of ASEAN nationals in crisis situations. He cited efforts to advance the ASEAN Power Grid, strengthen regional food reserve mechanisms, and enhance ASEAN coordination in response to developments in the Middle East.

The Ambassador underscored the significance of 2026 as the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 80th anniversary of Philippines-Australia diplomatic relations, highlighting the growing partnership between ASEAN and Australia and the enduring ties between the Philippines and Australia.

Ambassador Morales encouraged the emerging leaders to help shape ASEAN’s future, stressing that the regional organization’s relevance and credibility will depend on the collective efforts of ASEAN Member States, partners, and the next generation of leaders.

For more information on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, visit: asean2026.gov.ph or follow ASEAN 2026 Philippines Facebook Page. - END -

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