Despite ongoing challenges across the region, vibrant performances and a message of solidarity welcomed leaders and other delegates to the 49th ASEAN Summit during the opening ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center on Nov. 15.
In his remarks, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of nations working together to address ongoing issues, including geopolitical conflicts, economic risks as well as challenges posed by emerging technologies.
“We come from different shores, yet, we have chosen to travel forward together. That commitment matters even more as the waters around us turn on shifting tides. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, new technologies, climate change, and transnational threats are reshaping our region faster than any one country can respond to alone,” Marcos said.
The event is the culminating activity of the Philippines’ 2026 chairship which focused on three priorities: peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors and people empowerment.
“Peace gives our societies the stability in which prosperity can thrive. Prosperity provides our people better lives. At the heart of our Community are our peoples and the very reason that ASEAN exists,” Marcos added.
Other issues that the 11 ASEAN leaders are expected to tackle throughout the Summit include the South China Sea dispute, the situation in Myanmar and the region’s stance on the Middle East crisis.
New logo, digital agreement and ASEAN prize
One of the opening highlights is the presentation of the updated ASEAN logo, a symbol which “represents a stable, peaceful, united and dynamic ASEAN.” The updated emblem now bears 11 stalks of paddy (rice) on its center, to represent the official admission of Timor-Leste as a member state.
In the same event, Marcos also handed over the signed Digital Economy Framework Agreement, to ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn of Cambodia. This is the world’s first region-wide digital economic pact which promises “a more seamless, secure, interconnected digital market.”
Myanmar geologist and disaster resilience advocate Hla Hla Aung was also awarded the ASEAN Prize, the region’s premier award for individuals and groups who made lasting contributions to community-building.
The Summit’s first family picture
During the opening, the leaders also took their first family picture of the 49th Summit, striking the traditional ASEAN handshake, which symbolizes solidarity among member nations.
Guests of the Chair Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, together with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, also joined the leaders for a photo.
Cultural performances the “Filipino way”
Sama-sama Tayo, a song created for the event, also resonated across the event halls echoing the event’s theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
The enduring Filipino spirit was also highlighted in another performance, led by singer Radha Cuadrado with dance ensembles Mari Dance, The Dansemble, W3 and Sindaw Philippines Arts.
The leaders were also transported using e-trikes painted with colorful designs and bearing Philippine flags.
“It is the recognition that the future is not simply something that awaits us beyond the horizon. It is to where we journey towards, together,” Marcos ended as he declared the Summit open.
