Artificial Intelligence to take centerstage at 49th ASEAN Summit
MANILA— Artificial intelligence is expected to take centerstage in discussions at the upcoming ASEAN Summit, as Southeast Asian leaders seek to strengthen regional cooperation amid global uncertainties.
With the Philippines serving as ASEAN chair for 2026, the summit will carry the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” reflecting the bloc’s commitment to responding to emerging challenges and shaping a more resilient region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs described the theme as particularly relevant at a time of global upheaval— with geopolitical conflicts, economic pressures, and other emerging threats affecting countries across the region.
“We want to impress upon everyone ASEAN is now more responsive to whatever crisis, whatever emerging threat that will arise,” said Dominic Xavier Imperial, Executive Director of the DFA ASEAN Office.
Imperial said the theme recognizes that the region must adapt to a changing global environment while preparing for challenges that may arise in the years ahead.
The Philippines’ chairship comes amid uncertainty, including the continuing crisis in the Middle East and its far-reaching implications for the global economy.
Imperial said the country hopes to make the chairship more forward-looking, particularly as 2026 marks the first year of implementing the ASEAN Vision 2045.
One of the key expected outcomes of the November summit is the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, alongside discussions on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the region.
“Artificial intelligence is very prominently involved in the ASEAN discussions, especially in the Philippine chairship this year,” Imperial said.
The bloc is also looking forward to adopting a statement on AI-powered growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
The initiative aims to help smaller businesses gain better access to AI technologies and harness their potential to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Imperial noted that while AI is becoming increasingly prevalent, MSMEs continue to face challenges in accessing and maximizing these technologies.
The initiative is particularly relevant as businesses of all sizes grapple with inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical conflicts.
Beyond business and economic development, ASEAN leaders are also expected to discuss the use of AI in healthcare, particularly in improving health services and medical diagnosis.
The technology’s potential role in addressing climate change will also be explored.
Imperial said the Philippines intends to use its chairship to advance the administration’s AI agenda while ensuring that regional cooperation remains responsive to an increasingly unpredictable global environment.
World leaders and dialogue partners are expected to participate in high-level discussions during the summit.