The 10th ASEAN Entities Forum 2026: Navigating Our Future Together Towards Inclusivity and Resiliency
May 12–13, 2026 | The ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF) Secretariat, hosted by UCLG ASPAC, participated in the 10th ASEAN Entities Forum held by the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together,” aligned with the 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship of the Philippines.
The Forum brought together ASEAN-accredited entities, Centres of Excellence, policymakers, and regional stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and contribute to ASEAN’s collective agenda and the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045. Marking a decade of engagement among ASEAN entities, the Forum provided an important platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and knowledge exchange across sectors.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, highlighted the importance of regional unity, cooperation, and resilience in navigating growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. He also underscored ASEAN’s continued efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable growth, deepen regional integration, and advance a people-centred ASEAN Community, while recognising Timor-Leste’s integration process as a significant milestone towards a more inclusive Southeast Asia.
Across five thematic sessions, participants discussed key regional priorities, including ASEAN’s resilience amid geopolitical shifts, Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, regional connectivity, inclusive and sustainable development, digital transformation, climate adaptation, and people-centred governance. Discussions emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships, regional solidarity, and effective implementation to ensure ASEAN remains adaptive, inclusive, and responsive to emerging challenges.
Representing the AGMF Secretariat, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, highlighted the importance of localising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 through strengthened engagement of local governments. She underscored that governors, mayors, and local authorities are key actors in translating regional commitments into concrete actions and outcomes that directly benefit communities. In this regard, the localisation of ACV 2045 has been identified as one of the priority agendas of the ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum.
As part of the Forum’s engagement activities, and upon the invitation of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, she also mentored ASEAN youth on the role of local governments in advancing ASEAN Vision 2045. The session highlighted how cities and municipalities contribute to climate resilience, waste management, community development, and women’s leadership, while encouraging young people to actively engage with local governments and promote people-centred urban development through long-term collaboration.
Throughout the Forum, participants reaffirmed the importance of stronger collaboration between the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Entities, and local governments in advancing ASEAN Vision 2045. The discussions further highlighted that sustained partnerships and coordinated action across all levels of governance are essential to ensuring that regional aspirations are effectively translated into meaningful and people-centred outcomes across Southeast Asia.
