ASEAN Commemorates 59th Anniversary, Reaffirms Unity and Shared Purpose

JAKARTA, 8 August 2026 - ASEAN today commemorated its 59^th Anniversary at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat under the theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together." The celebration brought together members of the diplomatic community, officials from ASEAN Member States, representatives of ASEAN entities and centres, partners and ASEAN Secretariat staff in a collective reaffirmation of the region's commitment to unity, solidarity and forward-looking cooperation.

The commemorative programme commenced with the ASEAN Anthem and followed by a thematic video presentation highlighting ASEAN's journey and aspirations. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasised the importance of collective resolve and regional cooperation in advancing the region's long-term vision.

''On this 59th ASEAN Day, we celebrate not only what ASEAN has achieved, but also the trust and confidence that, by continuing to work together, our Community will remain relevant, resilient, peaceful and stable for generations to come,'' said SG Dr. Kao.

Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, also delivered a special ASEAN Day address. "ASEAN was built on the aspiration of the people of Southeast Asia who chose unity over division. It is a regional architecture that we design[ML1] ourselves, on our own terms for our shared future, dedicated for a greater purpose, a peaceful stable prosperous Southeast Asia. Today nearly 6 decades later, that architecture not only still stands but continues to evolve with ASEAN Centrality as its enduring anchor," said Minister Sugiono.

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines and ASEAN Chair for 2026, delivered the ASEAN Chair's remarks through a video message. "On this ASEAN Day, let us honour how far we have come, and more importantly, let us renew our responsibility for what comes next. Let us continue to navigate our future, together," [ML2] said President Marcos Jr.

The celebration also featured cultural performances by Filipino artists, a special anniversary commemoration segment, and a video presentation on "ASEAN 11," highlighting ASEAN's expanded membership with the accession of Timor-Leste as the Association's eleventh Member State.

As part of the anniversary programme, ASEAN convened a Commemorative Ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). The ceremony featured remarks by Secretary-General Dr. Kao, the ASEAN Chair represented by Ambassador Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN, and keynote remarks by Ambassador M.I. Derry Aman, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to ASEAN.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the inauguration of the Display Corner of the Flags of the High Contracting Parties of the TAC, symbolising the Treaty's enduring role in promoting peace, stability, friendship and cooperation in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The day's celebration continued with the ASEAN Day Food Festival by the ASEAN Wo and the Exhibition of ASEAN Entities and Centres of Excellence, providing participants with an opportunity to experience the region's rich cultural diversity while showcasing the collaborative contributions of ASEAN institutions and partners toward ASEAN Community building.

As ASEAN approaches its sixth decade, the 59th Anniversary celebration reaffirmed the region's shared determination to navigate emerging challenges and seize new opportunities together, guided by the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and a shared commitment in building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN Community.