The key facts

  • Guterres will arrive in Manila on Saturday for the 49th ASEAN Summit, hosted by the Philippines
  • On Monday, the 16th ASEAN–UN Summit will be held, dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive partnership
  • Also scheduled are a dialogue with youth, a meeting with the UN country team, and the closing ceremony; return to New York on November 19

Program of the UN Secretary-General's Visit to Manila

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will arrive in Manila on Saturday to attend the 49th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Friday. The summit is being chaired by the Philippines under the theme 'Navigating Our Future Together' and will bring together regional leaders to discuss common challenges and strengthen cooperation.

Meetings and the ASEAN–UN Summit

According to Haq, during the visit Guterres will meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and hold bilateral meetings with a number of heads of delegations. On Sunday, he will take part in the summit's opening ceremony, and on Monday, in the 16th ASEAN–UN Summit, timed to the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive partnership between the two organizations.

Themes of the Speeches and Conclusion of the Visit

Guterres is expected to emphasize the importance of ASEAN and the region's ability to address major challenges at both the regional and global levels, and will also highlight UN–ASEAN cooperation in the areas of conflict prevention, climate action, sustainable development, peacekeeping, and human rights. On Tuesday, a meeting with the UN country team in the Philippines, a dialogue with youth, and participation in the summit's closing ceremony are scheduled. The Secretary-General is due to return to New York on November 19.