What happens in an ASEAN Summit?

May 6, 2026

In ASEAN Summits, Leaders come together to discuss urgent regional issues, exchange views, build consensus, and provide common direction on the challenges facing our region. In broad terms, the first Summit usually focuses on ASEAN’s internal priorities and agenda, while the second Summit often builds on these discussions and is typically held alongside the Related Summits with Dialogue Partners and other external partners. The Summit is ASEAN’s supreme policy-making body, where Leaders deliberate and take decisions on key issues affecting Member States and the region. At the 48th ASEAN Summit, the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair, will seize the opportunity to discuss concrete regional action on three (3) urgent priorities: ensuring regional energy security and resilience, stabilizing food security, and upholding the safety of ASEAN nationals. At the heart of these discussions is a simple goal: to safeguard the welfare of our peoples and pursue concrete deliverables that positively impact ASEAN lives, livelihoods and communities.