MANILA, May 3 — Government leaders from Southeast Asia and European business executives will gather in Cebu on May 7 for the ASEAN-European Union (EU) Sustainability Summit, ahead of the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, to address economic resilience and sustainable growth amid ongoing regional challenges.
The Philippine News Agency reported that the inaugural summit comes as the region faces mounting pressures, including an energy crisis and broader economic strain.
More than 200 representatives from government, business, development institutions, and civil society are expected to attconclude the event organised by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
The summit will feature discussions on sustainability priorities under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship, including energy transition, green finance, circular economy development, sustainable trade, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Among the participants are Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Indonesia Deputy Minister Leonardo A. A. Teguh Sambodo, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro, and the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson Robert E.A. Borje.
“We are facing multiple crises at once: energy, economic, and supply chain challenges that no party can address alone. ASEAN and the EU should view to each other for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth.
“The Council has emphasised the same message in our recent meetings with the European Commission in Brussels, and this Summit serves as an important platform to deepen that conversation,” stated EU-ABC executive director Chris Humphrey.
The summit is also seen as driving EU and ASEAN cooperation towards practical outcomes for the region’s sustainable development.
ECCP president cum the EU-ABC’s Executive Board member Paulo Duarte stated the ASEAN-EU partnership has grown significantly, but the “priority now is to turn that momentum into practical collaboration.”
“The EU has channelled significant resources towards sustainable development through the Global Gateway and other initiatives — the Summit will explore how these can support that next phase of cooperation,” he stated.
Private-sector participation will also be highlighted, particularly for strengthening supply chains and sustainability practices.
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