ASEAN 2026 to focus on peace and security, maritime cooperation, climate change - DFA

The Philippines' chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year will focus on issues such as peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on Wednesday.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the DFA also said the Philippines aims to promote broader and deeper engagement with ASEAN external partners, forge initiatives that will champion peace and security, provide stability, promote shared prosperity, foster people empowerment, and carry on the progress made by previous chairs.

Meanwhile, the Philippines will try to clinch a non-permanent seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council in 2026. 

“So far, we have to secure the support of 129 countries, which is 2/3 of the total number of countries in the general assembly. We are doing our best. It’s good, but we still have to do a lot of work. Therefore, that’s the reason that this UNGA meeting in September is very important to continue the campaign,” Lazaro said.

The term of a non-permanent member is two years. —VBL, GMA Integrated News