ASEAN and European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday called for stronger regional cooperation and urgent action on sustainability, energy transition, and economic resilience as Southeast Asia grapples with mounting pressure from the global energy crisis and ongoing supply chain disruptions.
Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 in Cebu, government officials, diplomats, and business leaders underscored that sustainability is now central to the region’s long-term economic stability and competitiveness.
Held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, the event brought together more than 200 policymakers, ambassadors, and senior executives from ASEAN and Europe to discuss strategies for advancing climate action, trade cooperation, food security, and resilient supply chains.
Frederick Go highlighted the importance of deeper economic ties between the Philippines and the EU, describing the relationship as a growing partnership anchored on trade, investment, and development cooperation.
“Europe and the Philippines have a stable and evolving partnership, built on trade, investment and development cooperation,” Go said during his keynote address.
“Today, it is also focused on sustainability, climate and inclusive growth, and we remain committed to deepening our collaboration with the EU and advancing our shared priorities together.”
Go also described the proposed EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement as the country’s “most important economic agreement this year,” noting that both sides are aiming to finalize the deal by the third quarter of 2026.
Paulo Duarte, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and executive board member of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, said the summit came at a critical time for the region.
“At a time of global uncertainty marked by energy volatility, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs, this summit could not be more timely,” Duarte said.
“It reflects a shared recognition across the region that sustainability is no longer optional. It is central to economic resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth.”
Massimo Santoro emphasized the need to align climate ambitions with financing and implementation mechanisms.
“While we are rightly ambitious in setting our targets for climate and environmental action, we do not always synchronize the financial resources needed to implement that ambition,” Santoro said.
“Strengthening the link between ambition and financing is essential to turning policy into real, on-the-ground impact.”
Santoro also called for a more integrated regional approach to sustainability and resilience, stressing that trade, climate policy, and disaster risk reduction should no longer be treated separately.
“The current energy situation must become an opportunity to accelerate this integrated approach, including on renewable energy and economic resilience,” he said.
Leonardo Teguh Sambodo said ASEAN economies must balance growth with emissions reduction to achieve sustainable development.
“The only viable path forward is cohesive planning that integrates sustainability into every aspect of development,” Sambodo said.
For Robert Borje, the region’s energy challenges could also create opportunities for green investments.
“What can be seen right now as a challenge can be turned into an opportunity — an opportunity not just for investments to come into the Philippines, but an opportunity that provides co-benefits as we work towards a greener future and greener sources of energy,” Borje said.
During sectoral discussions, business leaders stressed the importance of stronger public-private collaboration in advancing circular economy initiatives, protecting supply chains, and strengthening food security systems.
Jonas Leones of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said circular economy policies would require greater investor participation and private sector support.
“The government cannot do it alone,” Leones said. “We need investors and the private sector to really implement and move forward.”
Antonio Del Rosario said Extended Producer Responsibility policies could significantly strengthen ASEAN’s circular economy initiatives by bringing together governments, businesses, NGOs, and the informal waste sector.
On supply chain integrity, Rodney van Dooren said private firms should complement government enforcement systems through data sharing and operational transparency.
“As a private sector, our role is to embed integrity into our day-to-day operations and to share relevant information, such as risk indicators and supply chain data, to support government enforcement efforts,” van Dooren said.
Meanwhile, Cynderella Galimpin warned that lengthy regulatory approval timelines for animal vaccines could threaten food security and economic stability during disease outbreaks.
“Today, regulatory approval timelines for vaccines across Southeast Asia range from one to three years, but when the outbreak is already there, that is too late, as it has already impacted food supply, trade and the economy,” Galimpin said.
Closing the summit, Chris Humphrey urged governments, businesses, and citizens to turn sustainability discussions into concrete action.
“We need governments, businesses and citizens to take sustainability more seriously in all its aspects, so we can all live a longer life, a healthier life, and look after our planet at the same time,” Humphrey said.