By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
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.
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.
“We’re facing multiple crises at once—energy, economic and supply chain challenges that no party can address alone. ASEAN and the EU should look to each other for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth,” Chris Humphrey, executive director of EU-ABC, said.
“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.”
The summit is also seen to drive 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, said the ASEAN-EU partnership has grown significantly, but the “priority now is to turn that momentum into practical collaboration.”
“The EU has channelled significant resources towards sustainable development through the Global Gateway and other initiatives—the Summit will explore how these can support that next phase of cooperation,” he said.
Private sector participation will also be highlighted, particularly in strengthening supply chains and sustainability practices. (PNA)
