Cebu: Government leaders from Southeast Asia and European business executives will gather in Cebu on May 7 for the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit, ahead of the 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit, to address economic resilience and sustainable growth amid ongoing regional challenges.
According to Philippines News Agency, 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 attend the event organized by the European Union (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 Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson Robert E.A. Borje.
Chris Humphrey, executive director of EU-ABC, emphasized the multiple crises the region is facing, including energy, economic, and supply chain challenges. He noted that ASEAN and the EU should collaborate for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth. 'The Council has emphasized 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," Humphrey stated.
The summit is also seen as a driving force for the EU and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) cooperation towards practical outcomes for the region's sustainable development. Paulo Duarte, president of ECCP and a member of the EU-ABC's Executive Board, highlighted that the ASEAN-EU partnership has grown significantly, but the priority now is to convert that momentum into practical collaboration. Duarte added that the EU has channeled significant resources towards sustainable development through the Global Gateway and other initiatives, and the Summit will explore how these can support the next phase of cooperation.
Private sector participation will also be highlighted, particularly in strengthening supply chains and sustainability practices.
