Manila, Philippines — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged unity and cooperation among ASEAN leaders during his address at the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia on May 26, 2025. In his speech, President Marcos stressed the importance of the summit's theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability," highlighting the need for development that benefits all segments of society, particularly in the face of global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic disparities.

He emphasized that progress should not leave behind any sector of society, advocating for equitable opportunities and support during crises.

President Marcos identified the youth as a key driver for change and development in the region, noting that there are over 30 million young people in the Philippines who can significantly contribute to positive advancements in Southeast Asia.

In addition to discussing socio-economic issues, President Marcos called for urgent legal agreements regarding the South China Sea, aiming to maintain peace and mitigate tensions in the region.

He also encouraged broader cooperation to address challenges related to climate change, trade, and security, advocating for accessible funding for nations impacted by environmental changes.

Marcos highlighted the necessity for ASEAN to maintain dialogues with allies to strengthen relations and foster peace, unity, and collaborative growth in the region.

The 46th ASEAN Summit commenced with a focus on greater regional integration and resilience against trade disruptions stemming from a changing geopolitical landscape.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the urgency for ASEAN members to work collaboratively in response to evolving international dynamics that threaten the agenda of sustainable and equitable development.

Prime Minister Anwar expressed concerns regarding the disruption of established global trade norms, particularly emphasizing the impact of unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States.

He highlighted the necessity for ASEAN to adapt its economic strategies accordingly to navigate uncertainties in international trade relations.

As part of the summit activities, ASEAN leaders engaged in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and dignitaries from Gulf states to fortify regional economic ties.

The summit marked the inaugural meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council, reinforcing economic partnerships amid ongoing tensions in global trade.

Leadership from ASEAN expressed a commitment to diversifying trade partnerships to reduce dependency on major economies, reflecting a collective effort to self-sustain the region's economies amid global pressures.

While addressing these economic challenges, leaders acknowledged the importance of avoiding alignment that could jeopardize the long-standing neutral stance of ASEAN between major powers like the United States and China.

Preparations are also underway for a proposed ASEAN-US summit, though responses from Washington remain pending.

President Marcos' comments on the necessity of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea reflect ongoing territorial disputes affecting several ASEAN member states, necessitating continued dialogue and cooperation.