Leaders from Southeast Asia and European Union business executives will convene in Cebu on May 7 for the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit. This event precedes the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and aims to tackle economic resilience and sustainable growth amid ongoing regional challenges.
The summit comes at a crucial time as the region grapples with an energy crisis and broader economic strains. More than 200 representatives from various sectors, including government, business, and civil society, are expected to participate.
Focus on Sustainability and Collaboration
Key topics will include energy transition, green finance, circular economy development, sustainable trade, and climate-resilient agriculture. The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, will highlight these sustainability priorities.
We’re facing multiple crises at once – energy, economic and supply chain challenges that no party can address alone. ASEAN and the EU should look to each other for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth.
Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of EU-ABC
Participants include key figures such as Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Indonesia's Deputy Minister Leonardo A. A. Teguh Sambodo, and EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro. Their collaboration aims to solidify ASEAN-EU partnerships into practical outcomes for sustainable development.
Paulo Duarte, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), emphasized the importance of transforming the existing partnership momentum into tangible cooperation. The EU has committed significant resources for sustainable development, which will be a focal point of the discussions.
Private sector participation will be crucial, especially in enhancing supply chains and sustainability initiatives.