4th ASEAN Conference on Climate Change, Disaster Resilience, and Sustainability

Safeguarding ASEAN Treasures, Securing Future Pleasures

ASEAN stands at a defining moment.

Across Southeast Asia, climate change, environmental degradation, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, resource pressures, and disaster risks are increasingly shaping the future of communities, economies, institutions, and generations to come. At the same time, the region possesses extraordinary natural, cultural, scientific, human, and economic assets that must be protected, strengthened, and responsibly transformed into foundations for long-term prosperity.

Against this backdrop, we are pleased to announce the 4th ASEAN Conference on Climate Change, Disaster Resilience, and Sustainability, a high-level regional gathering co-organized by The Outstanding Filipino Laureates, ASEAN Science Diplomats, and Icons of Change.

📅 Tuesday, December 1, 2026

🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

🌱 THEME

“Safeguarding ASEAN Treasures, Securing Future Pleasures”

The theme reflects a shared regional responsibility: to safeguard the environmental, cultural, social, scientific, and economic treasures of ASEAN today while securing the conditions necessary for future generations to live, prosper, innovate, and thrive.

This premier high-level summit will serve as a strategic convergence point for C-suite executives, world-renowned scientists, government ministers, policymakers, international organizations, development leaders, academics, innovators, and industry luminaries from across Southeast Asia and beyond.

The Conference will create a multidisciplinary space where scientific evidence can inform policy, where diplomacy can strengthen regional cooperation, and where responsible corporate leadership can accelerate practical solutions.

🔬 FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Climate change and disaster resilience cannot be addressed through isolated interventions.

They require integrated approaches that connect science, governance, finance, technology, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, community resilience, corporate responsibility, and international cooperation.

The 4th ASEAN Conference will therefore explore how evidence-based research and scientific knowledge can be translated into policies, investments, technologies, institutional practices, and scalable solutions capable of strengthening ASEAN's resilience.

The discussions will place particular emphasis on the relationship between:

🌏 Climate Action and Regional Resilience

How ASEAN can strengthen adaptation, mitigation, preparedness, and long-term resilience in the face of escalating climate risks.

🌊 Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development

How governments, businesses, communities, and institutions can move from reactive disaster response toward anticipatory risk management, preparedness, and resilience-building.

🌳 Environmental Stewardship and Natural Capital

How the region can protect ecosystems, biodiversity, forests, oceans, watersheds, and other environmental assets while supporting inclusive economic development.

🏙️ Resilient Cities and Infrastructure

How innovation, planning, technology, and sustainable infrastructure can help cities and communities withstand climate and disaster pressures.

🔬 Science, Technology, and Innovation

How scientific cooperation, emerging technologies, research partnerships, and knowledge exchange can accelerate solutions to complex environmental challenges.

🤝 Science Diplomacy and ASEAN Cooperation

How scientific collaboration can serve as a bridge for dialogue, trust-building, regional coordination, and shared problem-solving.

🏢 Sustainable Corporate Governance

How business leaders and corporations can integrate climate risk, environmental responsibility, sustainability, resilience, and long-term value creation into corporate decision-making.

💡 Finance, Investment, and Sustainable Transformation

How capital can be mobilized toward climate adaptation, resilience, clean technologies, nature-positive development, and sustainable economic transformation.

👥 Inclusive and Intergenerational Resilience

How climate and disaster strategies can ensure that communities, young people, vulnerable populations, and future generations are meaningfully considered in regional development.

🌏 A REGIONAL PLATFORM FOR COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE

The challenges facing ASEAN are interconnected, and so must be the solutions.

No single government, corporation, scientific institution, or organization can independently address the scale and complexity of the region's environmental and climate challenges.

The Conference will therefore encourage cross-sectoral dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, bringing together perspectives that are often considered separately but must increasingly operate together.

Scientists contribute evidence.

Governments provide policy direction and institutional leadership.

Businesses mobilize investment, technology, innovation, and implementation capacity.

International organizations provide global and regional perspectives.

Academia contributes knowledge and critical analysis.

Civil society and communities provide lived experience and local knowledge.

Together, these perspectives can help build a more coherent architecture for ASEAN climate resilience, disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and sustainable development.

🏛️ THE ROLE OF SCIENCE DIPLOMACY

Science diplomacy has an increasingly important role in a region where environmental systems, climate risks, oceans, biodiversity, food security, energy, water, and disaster impacts transcend national boundaries.

Scientific cooperation can create channels for dialogue even where policy challenges are complex.

Through shared evidence, knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and regional engagement, ASEAN can strengthen its collective capacity to understand emerging risks and develop solutions grounded in scientific knowledge and practical experience.

The Conference seeks to contribute to this wider regional conversation by connecting scientific excellence with diplomacy, governance, business leadership, and sustainable development.

🌱 SAFEGUARDING ASEAN'S TREASURES

ASEAN's treasures extend far beyond its extraordinary natural landscapes.

They include its people, cultures, biodiversity, coastlines, forests, rivers, oceans, cities, scientific institutions, knowledge systems, entrepreneurial communities, industries, and generations of future leaders.

Safeguarding these treasures requires more than preservation.

It requires responsible stewardship, evidence-based decision-making, investment in resilience, innovation, institutional cooperation, and a commitment to ensuring that development today does not compromise the opportunities of tomorrow.

The goal is not simply to respond to environmental threats.

It is to build systems that are prepared before crises occur, adaptive when conditions change, innovative in responding to emerging challenges, and sustainable over the long term.

🔭 SECURING FUTURE PLEASURES

The second part of the theme, “Securing Future Pleasures,” invites a forward-looking question:

What kind of ASEAN do we want future generations to inherit?

A region where cities are resilient.

Where communities are prepared.

Where ecosystems continue to provide life-supporting services.

Where oceans and coastlines are protected.

Where innovation contributes to sustainable prosperity.

Where businesses create long-term value responsibly.

Where science informs policy.

Where countries cooperate across borders.

And where economic progress is pursued alongside environmental integrity and social well-being.

The Conference is ultimately about transforming this vision into a conversation about evidence, leadership, cooperation, investment, implementation, and measurable impact.

🌏 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The 4th ASEAN Conference on Climate Change, Disaster Resilience, and Sustainability will provide an important platform for leaders and institutions committed to shaping a more resilient and sustainable Southeast Asia.

As we look toward 2030 and beyond, the decisions made today will influence the resilience of ASEAN for decades to come.

We invite leaders, experts, organizations, corporations, institutions, researchers, policymakers, advocates, innovators, and changemakers to SAVE THE DATE and join this important regional dialogue.

📅 December 1, 2026

🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

4th ASEAN Conference on Climate Change, Disaster Resilience, and Sustainability

Theme:

🌿 “Safeguarding ASEAN Treasures, Securing Future Pleasures”

Co-organized by:

The Outstanding Filipino Laureates

ASEAN Science Diplomats

Icons of Change

A stronger ASEAN is not only one that responds to crises.

It is one that anticipates risk, protects what matters, invests in resilience, advances scientific cooperation, and builds a future worthy of the generations who will inherit it.

Together, let us safeguard the treasures of ASEAN and secure the possibilities of tomorrow.

#ASEAN #ASEANConference #ClimateChange#ClimateAction #DisasterResilience #DisasterRiskReduction 

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒

The 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐌𝐖𝐌𝐄𝐂) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, which highlights a Job Fair for Filipino seafarers, originally scheduled for September 23-25, 2026, has been rescheduled to 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) Main Hall A.

The Organizers view this move not as a setback, but as an opportunity to further improve the event before its next staging. They are taking additional time to strengthen the overall event experience in a world-class venue like the WTCMM, which will provide the space and ensure the maritime community has an environment for partnerships and growth opportunities.

Given the strong interest from the maritime community, the MWMEC 2026 organizers recognized the need to ensure the event’s systems and infrastructure can support a large number of participants. Therefore, holding it in Main Hall A of WTCMM is very ideal. This is especially important because the event centers on people—particularly Filipino seafarers looking for job opportunities, companies seeking qualified manpower and industry stakeholders aiming for stronger collaboration.

For seafarers, the goal remains to provide a venue where they can directly meet potential employers, explore career opportunities, gain industry knowledge and connect with organizations that can support their professional development. Participating manning agencies and maritime organizations will also gain additional time to prepare their recruitment activities, presentations, exhibits and engagement programs.

The event features free-flowing dialogues on issues affecting seafarer employment, including topics such as the new sea-based standard employment contract, Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, geopolitical tensions, decarbonization, cybersecurity and digitalization. There are also welfare, business and finance seminars. On a lighter note, the event includes the restaging of the Voice of the Seafarers, a singing competition for seafarers.

MWMEC 2026 remains committed to its original purpose: to bring the maritime community together and create stronger connections between seafarers, employers and industry stakeholders. More than simply an exhibition, the event seeks to combine industry discussions, networking, recruitment and employment opportunities in one venue.

Currently, MWMEC 2026 has 69 participating companies and organizations, including 14 DMW-accredited manning agencies, namely: 

1. Pacific Ocean Manning

2. North Sea Marine Services

3. Kestrel Shipping Inc.

4. Augustea Ship Manning Philippines Inc.

5. Elburg Shipmanagement Philippines Inc.

6. Maersk Filipinas Crewing, Inc.

7. Multinational Ship Management Inc.

8. Avior Marine, Inc.

9. Torm Shipping Philippines, Inc

10. Ionic Manila Manning, Inc.

11. Senator Crewing Manila, Inc.

12. Albireo Maritime People & Performance Inc.

13. Virtue Maritime Services Corp.

14. Tiwala Human Resource, Inc.

 

By rescheduling to the 2,776 sqm WTCMM Hall A, MWMEC 2026 can welcome more manning agencies and other exhibitors. For bookings, email marinoworldpublication@gmail.com or call 0956-4892192 or 0955-6720319.

Keep following the Marino World Facebook page for the registration process and other event updates.

********

Any previous QR code registrations via the SEAker App are no longer valid.

Marino World, the event organizer, will provide the new link for the simple registration process very soon on the Marino World Facebook page.

#MWMEC2026Rescheduled #MarinoWorldExpo

ASEAN Urged to Push Pace of RE, Grids, Electrification Strategies Amid Energy Challenges

MANILA, Philippines (09 October 2026) — International experts on Friday urged ASEAN to focus its bid for energy security on accelerating electrification and renewable energy adoption, as recurring global supply disruptions and price shocks expose the region’s vulnerability to imported fossil fuels. 

At a forum held by the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA)  the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) in the wake of the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF), speakers urged ASEAN to center regional cooperation on renewable energy and electrification, including through grid expansion and integration via the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), alongside the rapid scale-up of solar, onshore and offshore wind, and energy storage. 

ASEAN energy ministers affirmed the importance of renewable energy, energy storage, electrification of end-use sectors, and distributed energy resources in the region’s energy strategy, reiterating the 30-percent renewable energy share in total primary energy supply and 45-percent renewables share target in installed power capacity by 2030 set out in the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

The region has its work cut out for it, however, as the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook launched this week shows the region needs to add 31 GW of renewables every year until the deadline to achieve the 45-percent target.

The ASEAN Power Grid, which could help deliver more affordable electricity to the region’s 700 million people, remains central to regional energy cooperation. ASEAN energy ministers reached a “consensus” to accelerate its development, building on the finalization of strategic workplans by the APG Task Forces, recommendations from the ASEAN Interconnection Masterplan Study III, and a new Regional Planning Framework to coordinate power system planning across the region.

However, the urgency to move from planning to implementation is growing. According to an analysis by Ember, every year of delay beyond the APG’s 2035 target could cost the region USD 2.6 billion in economic losses.

GWEC said offshore wind offers a practical example of how renewable energy can support ASEAN’s wider priorities. Generating electricity from domestic resources can help reduce exposure to volatile imported fuel prices, while project development creates opportunities for local businesses, skilled workers and coastal communities.

ASEAN electricity demand zoomed past the global average between 2015 and 2025, rising to over 60 percent according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), highlighting the urgency of the region’s goal to reach 100 percent electrification by 2035.

The AMEM and AEBF represented an important test of whether the region’s political direction and the urgency created by the current energy crisis will translate into concrete policy and investment decisions.

The region could take advantage of falling costs in solar, wind, and storage, as well as optimistic forecasts for increased renewables capacity. GWEC’s Global Wind Report foresees over 900 GW in additional installed wind capacity by 2030, while the IEA said total renewable capacity in Southeast Asia could grow five times the current 120 GW by 2035 based on announced targets. 

The Philippines is set to convene the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on November 16-18, where it is expected to further discuss the issue of energy security and the impacts of the Iran crisis.

Quotes: 

Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, former chair of the Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Renewable Energy Board:

“The ASEAN Power Grid must move from lines on a map to projects that can be financed and built. A power grid, whether it's regional or local, that exists only on paper will not keep the lights on.”

“My fear is that stockpiles only buy us time. They do not remove exposure to volatile prices or imported supply. Every megawatt we produce with resources found locally is one less megawatt exposed to a shock generated abroad. The long-term answer is still more domestic renewable energy, electrification, storage, efficiency, and regional power trade.”

“Government response is moving in the right direction. Stronger generator accountability, batteries, island grid expansion, microgrids, rooftop solar, a smart and green grid plan, and an oil and gas contingency plan. But emergency measures must become permanent systems before the next crisis. Reliability standards need teeth, reserve obligations must be transparent, and grid plans need firm deadlines and persistent, consistent monitoring.”

Robert Cooke, Grids and Electrification Advocacy Lead, Global Renewables Alliance: 

“Southeast Asia is expected to account for nearly one fifth of global energy demand growth to 2035. It is more urgent than ever that the region reduces its exposure to fossil fuel prices. The cost of this crisis is enormous. In the first six months of this crisis, fossil fuel importers have paid the equivalent of around USD 1.8 billion per day in additional costs, with the impact being felt by consumers and businesses"

“The ASEAN Power Grid is critical to strengthening the resilience of both the domestic grids of ASEAN Member States and the region as a whole. Expanded and modernised grids are fundamental to integrating greater volumes of renewable energy, whilst enhancing grid flexibility and stability.” 

“The progress we have seen so far is encouraging. To deliver these projects at the pace and scale needed, it is important that ASEAN works closely with industry to strengthen the essential regulatory and commercial frameworks to mobilise investment.”

Ann Francisco, Asia Pacific Director, Global Wind Energy Council: 

“ASEAN has taken encouraging steps towards a more connected and energy-secure region. These commitments matter because they are about what people and businesses need: reliable and affordable electricity, stronger local industries and more jobs. The opportunity goes far beyond generating electricity. Offshore wind can bring new business to our ports, shipyards, manufacturers and service providers. ASEAN already has many of these capabilities.” 

“Working together can help us build on those strengths and create more opportunities across the region. The conversations in Manila showed continued interest and a willingness to work together. We will keep working with industry, government agencies, banks and regional institutions to turn that cooperation into investment, infrastructure and lasting jobs.”

Russell Marsh, Regional Lead for Southeast Asia, Energy Transition and Climate Finance, E3G: 

“In our view, the best way to secure ASEAN's energy supply in the future is to transition away from fossil fuels, and to focus on clean electrification. I think whilst there has been progress on clean electrification and the deployment of renewable energy, there has also been this focus on securing fossil fuel supply in ASEAN. So I think my view is [there is a] mixed result from the discussions this week.”

“On the stockpiling question, it's obvious that right now, in the immediate energy crisis, it's understandable that countries would focus on securing their energy supplies in the short term. I think the challenge and the risk is that [what] we do doesn't get in the way of the medium- to longer-term need to transition away from fossil fuels and to move to clean electrification, and so that will be interesting to see how that develops.” 

“From our initial analysis, it looks like [the ASEAN Energy Outlook is] now forecasting less clean capacity deployed in that period than before, so we just want to [u]nderstand what has changed in ASEAN over the last year, [because] you would think that given where fossil fuel prices have gone, particularly gas prices have gone in the last 12 months, you would have thought that actually that would mean that there should be more incentive and mean you should see more renewable energy being deployed, as it would be cheaper than LNG

DSWD urges better integration of social protection, disaster management systems for stronger ASEAN

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council chair, continues to call for the integration of social protection and disaster management systems across the ASEAN region to protect its citizens from different socio-economic shocks.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN High-Level Meeting on the ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation (ASPECT) Framework on Wednesday (October 7), Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the DSWD’s Policy and Planning Group (PPG), who also chairs the ASEAN Senior Officials Committee for the Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA), stressed that protecting people from disasters also means safeguarding the development gains that communities have achieved across the years.

“The gains we make in social protection and social development must not be undone by disasters and shocks. Our task is to protect these gains, and, where they are threatened, respond quickly enough to prevent temporary setbacks from becoming long-term losses,” Undersecretary Sulit said at the event held at Diamond Hotel in Malate, Manila.

Emphasizing the necessity to act on risks before it becomes a crisis, the SOCA chair highlighted the critical need for various social protection measures to be in place.

"This is why social protection must be part of our disaster infrastructure. Through anticipatory cash transfers, early release of in-kind assistance, and other pre-arranged support, we can help people act early, protect their livelihoods, and recover with greater dignity and less dependence on emergency relief," Undersecretary Sulit pointed out.

The SOCA chair further explained that protecting people from shocks cannot be the responsibility of one sector alone since it requires the coordinated efforts of various institutions.

"We recognize that protecting people from shocks cannot be the responsibility of one sector alone. It requires our social protection systems, disaster management mechanisms, local governments, communities, development partners, and humanitarian actors to work together," Undersecretary Sulit said.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), explained that while the DSWD recognizes that ASEAN has developed strong regional mechanisms for collective disaster response, the changing risk landscape requires stronger systems for coordination and regional interoperability which is the essence of the new ASPECT Framework.

"ASEAN has already built a strong foundation for collective disaster response through the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), and through mechanisms and institutions that have strengthened our ability to work together when disasters strike," the DRMG chief said in her message.

"ASPECT builds on this foundation. It seeks to strengthen how these mechanisms work together, with greater regional interoperability, faster cross-border facilitation, risk-informed and anticipatory approaches, financial resilience, multi-hazard preparedness, and community-based, and protection-centred response," Undersecretary Cajipe added.

Looking ahead, ASEAN looks forward to the continued development of the proposed ASPECT Framework, with the aspiration that it may further strengthen regional cooperation and connections among ASEAN Member States, supporting earlier, faster, and more coordinated action to help communities better withstand shocks before they happen. (AKDL)

Secretary Garin: ASEAN Energy Agenda Must Deliver Reliable Energy to its People

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - From students studying at night to hospitals keeping critical equipment running, the Philippines called on ASEAN to ensure that the region’s energy cooperation delivers where it matters most, reliable and secure energy for its people.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin made the call as ASEAN Energy Ministers, business leaders, development partners, and international organizations gathered in Manila for the joint opening of the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and its Associated Meetings and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF).

Secretary Garin said the global energy crisis has tested ASEAN nations throughout the year, with rapidly shifting prices and shipping routes forcing governments to respond quickly and mobilize resources to cushion the impact of fuel disruptions.

“Prices shifted quickly, shipping routes changed, governments made decisions in days or hours that would ordinarily take months, and unplanned government spending had to be disbursed to soften the impact of fuel disruptions on families, households, livelihoods, and the economy,” Secretary Garin said.

Against these pressures, the Secretary said ASEAN has demonstrated the value of regional cooperation and the strength Member States draw from supporting one another.

“I see an ASEAN growing more capable each year, meeting its own needs on firm footing laid by diplomacy. The world's markets will always be part of our story, but each Member State is made stronger by belonging to a community of nations that look out for one another. Truly, Southeast Asia is stronger together,” she said.

Secretary Garin pointed to the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) as a concrete example of how regional cooperation can strengthen ASEAN’s energy systems.

ASEAN Member States are working to operationalize the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding on the APG and advance multilateral power trade, while regional interconnection initiatives such as the Lao PDR–Thailand–Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project and the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines

Power Interconnection Project continue to move forward.

The Secretary underscored the human impact that greater regional power connectivity can ultimately deliver.

“I look forward to the day when throughout the ASEAN, hydropower from one neighbor's mountains lights a hospital across the border, or during the day when solar power from one island energizes the house of a neighbor economy so children can study at night. Every interconnection brings that day closer,” Secretary Garin said.

On oil and gas, Secretary Garin highlighted the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA) as a shared framework for regional cooperation and mutual support.

She said discussions during the Special AMEM in April brought renewed momentum to APSA, which will help strengthen ASEAN’s collective ability to respond to energy challenges.

“APSA is not just an agreement. It is a manifestation that as a community, ASEAN economies, collectively and individually, are willing to protect, support, and help each other in good and difficult times,” she said.

The Secretary also emphasized the significance of bringing Ministers and business leaders together as AMEM and AEBF opened in Manila.

As host, the Philippines expressed hope that the discussions in Manila would strengthen cooperation and bring the benefits of ASEAN’s energy agenda closer to the region’s people.

PH extols women’s meaningful participation and leadership at the heart of peacebuilding; convenes ASEAN member-nations to advance WPS Agenda

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA - Representatives from countries across Southeast Asia are gathered here under a shared vision to build a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region, as the Philippines formally opened the ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Conference on Wednesday, October 7.

Attended by around 300 delegates, the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and hosting the WPS Conference is a testament of the country’s efforts in pushing forward the WPS agenda locally and across the region.

With the theme, “Advancing Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN: Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Localizing Peacebuilding Commitments,” the conference stressed the urgent need to translate regional commitments into concrete interventions that will be felt by communities.

An agenda grounded in communities

In his opening remarks, Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen S. Sarmiento emphasized the significant contribution of women in peacebuilding.

“Our task is to ensure that their (women) experience and leadership help shape the decisions that affect their lives – that is the heart of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda,” he said.

Sec. Sarmiento shared that under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government is working not only towards the completion of signed peace agreements but most especially, sustaining and building on its gains.

“Communities must experience greater security, better opportunities, and meaningful role in shaping the future. This is where women’s participation and the localization of the WPS Agenda becomes essential,” he said.

Sec. Sarmiento also highlighted the country’s foundations for participatory governance, noting the importance of having an inclusive space where people’s organizations and participation are recognized and protected. 

“This is why we are pursuing an Executive Order to institutionalize the localization of our National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAPWPS). We want WPS integrated into local planning, budget planning, service delivery, and peacebuilding. We want local governments to develop action plans grounded in their communities’ needs,” he added.

Women in peacebuilding

In her message, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla noted that since time immemorial, women have already been leaders and participants in peace work.

“Mediation, in our oldest traditions, was women’s work and it was respected and recognized as leadership. Across the ASEAN region, many other communities have their own names for this kind of role,” she said. 

Valdeavilla called on the delegates to help ensure that the contributions of women leaders are recognized.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega who represented Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro, said that “the pursuit for peace has always been a top priority for the region.”

“Today, we celebrate a significant force that drives this pursuit forward – the women who work tirelessly, often without recognition in confronting the realities on the ground. Despite vulnerabilities in times of conflict, women continue to play meaningful roles in peacebuilding and recovery,” Usec. De Vega added.

She pointed out that the Philippines continues to advocate for gender-responsive peacebuilding strategies and women’s inclusion in peace talks.

“Leadership transcends gender and an inclusive ASEAN holds space for everyone,” Usec. De Vega said.

Strengthening regional cooperation

In his keynote address, ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn noted that the conference reinforces a milestone in ASEAN’s WPS journey, as member-states collectively advanced the WPS Agenda when they adopted the Joint Statement on Promoting Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN during the country’s chairship in 2017.

According to Dr. Hourn, ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future carries this forward.“It envisages women fully empowered to take part in decision making. This direction matters more now as the security environment evolves,” he said.

The conference also highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing the WPS Agenda across the region.

Representatives from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines likewise expressed their support for the Philippines’ efforts to advance women’s meaningful participation and leadership in peacebuilding and to strengthen regional cooperation on WPS.

Johanna Stratton of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines Christophe Bahuet underscored the value of sustained partnerships in translating WPS commitments into meaningful action, particularly at the community level.

The conference also provided a platform for ASEAN member-states to reflect on the region’s progress and as well as the challenges it faces in advancing WPS. H.E. Koung Sorita of the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) Cambodia presented the ASEAN WPS landscape, highlighting the need for stronger cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action among member-nations.

This reaffirms the belief that advancing WPS requires more than the implementation of policies and commitments, as it also calls for sustained action that responds to the realities that women and communities confront.

As the ASEAN continues to pursue a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient region, the WPS conference serves as a platform for member-states and partners to strengthen cooperation and turn commitments into concrete initiatives that will enable women to meaningfully participate in shaping peace, security, and their futures.

Through its 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the Philippines continues to champion a WPS Agenda that is inclusive, locally grounded, and responsive to the needs of communities.

ASEAN urged to push pace of RE, grids, electrification strategies amid energy challenges

MANILA, Philippines (09 October 2026) — International experts on Friday urged ASEAN to focus its bid for energy security on accelerating electrification and renewable energy adoption, as recurring global supply disruptions and price shocks expose the region’s vulnerability to imported fossil fuels. 

At a forum held by the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) in the wake of the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF), speakers urged ASEAN to center regional cooperation on renewable energy and electrification, including through grid expansion and integration via the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), alongside the rapid scale-up of solar, onshore and offshore wind, and energy storage. 

ASEAN energy ministers affirmed the importance of renewable energy, energy storage, electrification of end-use sectors, and distributed energy resources in the region’s energy strategy, reiterating the 30-percent renewable energy share in total primary energy supply and 45-percent renewables share target in installed power capacity by 2030 set out in the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

The region has its work cut out for it, however, as the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook launched this week shows the region needs to add 31 GW of renewables every year until the deadline to achieve the 45-percent target.

The ASEAN Power Grid, which could help deliver more affordable electricity to the region’s 700 million people, remains central to regional energy cooperation. ASEAN energy ministers reached a “consensus” to accelerate its development, building on the finalization of strategic workplans by the APG Task Forces, recommendations from the ASEAN Interconnection Masterplan Study III, and a new Regional Planning Framework to coordinate power system planning across the region.

However, the urgency to move from planning to implementation is growing. According to an analysis by Ember, every year of delay beyond the APG’s 2035 target could cost the region USD 2.6 billion in economic losses.

GWEC said offshore wind offers a practical example of how renewable energy can support ASEAN’s wider priorities. Generating electricity from domestic resources can help reduce exposure to volatile imported fuel prices, while project development creates opportunities for local businesses, skilled workers and coastal communities.

ASEAN electricity demand zoomed past the global average between 2015 and 2025, rising to over 60 percent according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), highlighting the urgency of the region’s goal to reach 100 percent electrification by 2035.

The AMEM and AEBF represented an important test of whether the region’s political direction and the urgency created by the current energy crisis will translate into concrete policy and investment decisions.

The region could take advantage of falling costs in solar, wind, and storage, as well as optimistic forecasts for increased renewables capacity. GWEC’s Global Wind Report foresees over 900 GW in additional installed wind capacity by 2030, while the IEA said total renewable capacity in Southeast Asia could grow five times the current 120 GW by 2035 based on announced targets. 

The Philippines is set to convene the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on November 16-18, where it is expected to further discuss the issue of energy security and the impacts of the Iran crisis.

Quotes: 

Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, former chair of the Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Renewable Energy Board:

“The ASEAN Power Grid must move from lines on a map to projects that can be financed and built. A power grid, whether it's regional or local, that exists only on paper will not keep the lights on.”

“My fear is that stockpiles only buy us time. They do not remove exposure to volatile prices or imported supply. Every megawatt we produce with resources found locally is one less megawatt exposed to a shock generated abroad. The long-term answer is still more domestic renewable energy, electrification, storage, efficiency, and regional power trade.”

“Government response is moving in the right direction. Stronger generator accountability, batteries, island grid expansion, microgrids, rooftop solar, a smart and green grid plan, and an oil and gas contingency plan. But emergency measures must become permanent systems before the next crisis. Reliability standards need teeth, reserve obligations must be transparent, and grid plans need firm deadlines and persistent, consistent monitoring.”

Robert Cooke, Grids and Electrification Advocacy Lead, Global Renewables Alliance: 

“Southeast Asia is expected to account for nearly one fifth of global energy demand growth to 2035. It is more urgent than ever that the region reduces its exposure to fossil fuel prices. The cost of this crisis is enormous. In the first six months of this crisis, fossil fuel importers have paid the equivalent of around USD 1.8 billion per day in additional costs, with the impact being felt by consumers and businesses"

“The ASEAN Power Grid is critical to strengthening the resilience of both the domestic grids of ASEAN Member States and the region as a whole. Expanded and modernised grids are fundamental to integrating greater volumes of renewable energy, whilst enhancing grid flexibility and stability.” 

“The progress we have seen so far is encouraging. To deliver these projects at the pace and scale needed, it is important that ASEAN works closely with industry to strengthen the essential regulatory and commercial frameworks to mobilise investment.”

Ann Francisco, Asia Pacific Director, Global Wind Energy Council: 

“ASEAN has taken encouraging steps towards a more connected and energy-secure region. These commitments matter because they are about what people and businesses need: reliable and affordable electricity, stronger local industries and more jobs. The opportunity goes far beyond generating electricity. Offshore wind can bring new business to our ports, shipyards, manufacturers and service providers. ASEAN already has many of these capabilities.” 

“Working together can help us build on those strengths and create more opportunities across the region. The conversations in Manila showed continued interest and a willingness to work together. We will keep working with industry, government agencies, banks and regional institutions to turn that cooperation into investment, infrastructure and lasting jobs.”

Russell Marsh, Regional Lead for Southeast Asia, Energy Transition and Climate Finance, E3G: 

“In our view, the best way to secure ASEAN's energy supply in the future is to transition away from fossil fuels, and to focus on clean electrification. I think whilst there has been progress on clean electrification and the deployment of renewable energy, there has also been this focus on securing fossil fuel supply in ASEAN. So I think my view is [there is a] mixed result from the discussions this week.”

“On the stockpiling question, it's obvious that right now, in the immediate energy crisis, it's understandable that countries would focus on securing their energy supplies in the short term. I think the challenge and the risk is that [what] we do doesn't get in the way of the medium- to longer-term need to transition away from fossil fuels and to move to clean electrification, and so that will be interesting to see how that develops.” 

“From our initial analysis, it looks like [the ASEAN Energy Outlook is] now forecasting less clean capacity deployed in that period than before, so we just want to [u]nderstand what has changed in ASEAN over the last year, [because] you would think that given where fossil fuel prices have gone, particularly gas prices have gone in the last 12 months, you would have thought that actually that would mean that there should be more incentive and mean you should see more renewable energy being deployed, as it would be cheaper than LNG.”