May 12-13, 2026 | UCLG ASPAC, which serves as the Secretariat of the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), was invited to the 10th ASEAN Entities Forum, May 12-13, 2026, held by ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together,” in line with the 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship of the Philippines.
On this occasion, the Secretary General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, highlighted the importance of unity, cooperation, and regional resilience in addressing growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. He also underscored ASEAN’s progress in strengthening regional integration, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, and advancing a people-centred ASEAN Community, while recognising Timor-Leste’s integration as an important milestone towards a more inclusive Southeast Asian region.
Marking a decade of collaboration among ASEAN-accredited entities, Centres of Excellence, policymakers, and regional stakeholders, the Forum served as a platform to strengthen partnerships, foster dialogue, and explore synergies in advancing ASEAN’s collective agenda and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Across five thematic sessions, discussions focused on ASEAN’s resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty, Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN, regional connectivity, inclusive and sustainable development, digital transformation, climate adaptation, and people-centred governance. Participants also underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation, regional solidarity, and practical implementation in ensuring that ASEAN remains adaptive, inclusive, and responsive to emerging regional and global challenges.
During the panel discussion, Dr Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi highlighted the need to localise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which will serve as a priority agenda of the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum. She emphasised that the successful realisation of the ACV 2045 vision depends on effective implementation at the local level, which can only be achieved through the active engagement and strengthened capacity of local governments.
As invited by the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), she also mentored ASEAN youth on the importance of localising ASEAN Vision 2045 through local governments. She emphasised that cities and municipalities play a crucial role in implementing regional priorities, particularly in climate resilience, waste management, community development, and women’s leadership. The session encouraged youth to build collective movements, engage constructively with governments, and promote people-centred urban planning through long-term collaboration with local authorities.
The importance of stronger collaboration between the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Entities, and local governments in advancing ASEAN Vision 2045 was reaffirmed throughout the discussions and how sustained partnerships and coordinated action are essential to translating regional commitments into meaningful and people-centred outcomes across Southeast Asia.
We remain committed to strengthening local engagement that positively contributes to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
