As part of Philippine Space Week, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) convened the ASEAN Space Forum: Navigating our Future through Space Diplomacy to advance dialogue on space diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the responsible use of outer space.
Held virtually, the Forum supported the Philippines’ efforts to advance the ASEAN Declaration on the Advancement of Space Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, or the ASEAN Declaration on Space Cooperation. This is one of the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables under its 2026 ASEAN Chairship.
PhilSA Acting Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D. and Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty highlighted the importance of regionalism and diplomacy in navigating outer space.
“Today, ASEAN stands at an important moment in its space journey. Across our region, space capabilities are steadily expanding. More institutions are investing in research; more governments are recognizing the value of satellite technologies; and more universities, industries, and innovators are contributing new ideas and solutions,” Director General Perez said during her opening remarks.
“This is why the proposed ASEAN Declaration on Space Cooperation is so important. More than a policy document, it represents a shared aspiration—a commitment to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the peaceful and sustainable uses of outer space, encourage innovation, and ensure that every ASEAN Member State can benefit from the opportunities that space offers,” Director General Perez added, emphasizing how ASEAN can grow together through the benefits of space.
“Under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the proposed ASEAN Declaration on the Advancement of Space Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation represents a significant milestone in our region's journey toward deeper and more enduring collaboration. Its envisioned adoption by ASEAN Leaders later this year will stand as a powerful testament to ASEAN's belief that Space Science and Technology are indispensable drivers of regional integration, economic resilience, and sustainable development,” Undersecretary Gepty stated in his keynote address.
The ASEAN Space Forum provided a platform for stakeholders in the space sector to discuss perspectives on space diplomacy and international cooperation, examine regional challenges and explore potential solutions, and opportunities to strengthen ASEAN’s inter- and intra-regional cooperation.
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Discussions centered on three thematic sessions regarding ASEAN’s evolving space cooperation agenda and the role of space diplomacy in advancing regional integration in this domain.
The first session, “From Dialogue to Declaration: Advancing ASEAN Space Cooperation,” focused on operationalizing the proposed ASEAN Declaration on Space Cooperation. This highlighted the importance of a more cohesive, policy-driven regional framework anchored in international cooperation, multilateral engagement, and the principles of ASEAN.
The second session, “Addressing Regional Challenges through Space Innovation and Intra- and Inter-Regional and Multilateral Collaboration,” explored how ASEAN can leverage space science, technology, and applications to address shared challenges such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, and food security, among others through strengthened partnerships, capacity-building and knowledge exchange.
The third session, “ASEAN in the Global Order: Diplomacy, Partnerships, and the Space Economy,” examined ASEAN’s strategic role in an evolving global space landscape, emphasizing multilateral governance, responsible and peaceful uses of outer space, and opportunities for expanding regional and international partnerships.
Panelists and moderators from the government, space agencies, international organizations, think tanks, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders from across the region and beyond joined the sessions.
Through the ASEAN Space Forum, the Philippines reaffirmed its role at the forefront of the region's growing space agenda, convening the very dialogue that will help shape how ASEAN cooperates in space for years to come. As ASEAN works toward the Declaration's adoption this November, a milestone the Philippines has championed since the start of its 2026 Chairship, the Forum's discussions will directly inform the country's continuing efforts to strengthen its own space capabilities and space industry, while promoting regional cooperation for the benefit of all AMS. In convening this conversation, the Philippines is not only building consensus across ASEAN, but also positioning itself as a genuine driver of the region's space future.
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