Manila Set To Host 19 World And Global Institution Leaders For 49th ASEAN Summit

MANILA, Nov 12 – The Philippines will host at least 19 world leaders and heads of global institutions during the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits taking place in Manila from November 15 to 17, 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted that the high-level turnout underscores ASEAN’s convening power and enduring role as a primary platform for international dialogue and economic cooperation.

Opening Plenary, Special Guests, and Regional Agenda

Proceedings will officially kick off on Sunday, November 15, with an opening ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC) in Pasay City, followed by Plenary and Retreat Sessions reviewing milestones achieved under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together”.

Chaired by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the summit brings together leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Myanmar will be represented by the Director-General of the ASEAN Affairs Department of its Foreign Ministry.

During the plenary session, regional leaders will address pressing geopolitical issues—including the ongoing crisis in Myanmar—and hold stakeholder dialogues with ASEAN Parliamentarians, business leaders, and youth representatives.

Special plenary addresses will also be delivered by key global guests aligned with Manila’s Prosperity Corridors economic framework:

• Canadian Prime Minister: Mark Carney
• Brazilian President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva

Related Summits, ASEAN Chairship Handover, and US Special Summit

From November 16 to 17, President Marcos will co-chair the Related (Plus One) Summits alongside leaders and senior envoys from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand (represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister David Seymour), South Korea, Russia (represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov), the United Nations, and the United States.

On Tuesday, November 17, Marcos will convene the 29th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS), before formally handing over the rotating ASEAN Chairship to Singapore.

The three-day diplomatic gathering will culminate in the ASEAN-United States Special Summit on November 17, featuring the attendance of US President Donald Trump.

Summit Schedule, Key Participants, and Chairship Transition

Key diplomatic schedules, confirmed attendees, and institutional milestones include:

• Summit Dates & Venue: November 15–17, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC), Metro Manila.
• Plenary Special Guests: Canadian PM Mark Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
• Dialogue Partner Envoys: Leaders from Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, UN, and US, alongside New Zealand Deputy PM David Seymour and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
• Headline Closing Events (Nov 17): 29th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, 21st East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN-US Special Summit with US President Donald Trump, and ASEAN Chairship handover to Singapore.
• Philippine Chairship Theme: “Navigating Our Future, Together” (focusing on Prosperity Corridors and regional resilience).

–NMT